Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 129: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the total sum received by RTE in each of the years 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010 by way of television licence fee; if he has engaged in any discussions with RTE with regard to any future increase or decrease in the licence fee or with regard to a decrease in operating costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43686/10]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Under Section 123 of the Broadcasting Act, 2009, with the approval of the Minister of Finance, I may pay RTÉ in respect of each financial year an amount equal to the total receipts in that year in respect of broadcasting (TV) licence fees less (i) any expenses incurred in relation to the collection of those fees, and (ii) an amount being equal to 7% of these net television licence fee receipts which is paid under Section 156 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 to the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) in respect of the Broadcasting Funding Scheme. The following table sets out details of the amounts paid to RTÉ in the years 2005 to date in 2010:

In relation to modification of the licence fee, Section 124 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 sets out the mechanism by which increases or decreases may be determined. In particular it allows for the BAI to recommend in a report to the Minister an annual licence fee modification. This recommendation is to be based on a review on the extent to which RTÉ has fulfilled its commitments in respect of its public service objects stated in its annual statement of performance commitments for that financial year and the adequacy or otherwise of public funding to enable the corporation to meet its public service objects.

A review of RTÉ's 2009 public service commitments has been carried out by the BAI, the findings of which, I understand, will be discussed at the next meeting of the Authority's Board on 13 December. It is expected that the Authority will be forwarding a report on this matter to my Department following this meeting. Any modification of the licence fee is then a matter for myself and the Government. The ongoing operational costs are a day to day matter for RTÉ, however officials from my Department are in continuous contact and are being kept up to date on the steps being taken by RTÉ to increase operating efficiencies and minimise costs.