Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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Question 45: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has spoken to the chairman or chief executive of RTÉ regarding the need to ensure that RTÉ breaks even at least each year on its operations; if he has, the steps they have outlined to him to ensure that this will happen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15941/11]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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RTÉ is an independent national public service broadcaster whose remit and obligations are set out in the Broadcasting Act 2009.

With regard to the duties of the corporation in respect of its revenue, these are set out in section 105 of the Broadcasting Act 2009.

In brief, this provision requires RTÉ to hold sufficient revenue to pay its current debts and to provide for capital expenditure.

Section 98 provides that the company shall be independent in the pursuance of these objects, subject to the requirements of the Act, and as such I, as Minister, have no function in the management of RTÉ's day to day affairs, including matters relating to its budget.

That said, I have met recently with RTÉ management and I have made my view clear that a continuing deficit position is not tenable for any State company, including RTÉ.

I am confident that the Board and management of RTÉ are taking the necessary action to ensure that the company is placed on a sustainable financial footing as soon as possible and that it continues to meet its legal obligations.

Finally, RTÉ has invested significantly in respect of the upgrading of infrastructure to facilitate the successful transition to Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT). In this context, Deputies should be aware that Capital Expenditure of up to €70 million will be incurred by RTÉ. It is important that the costs of DTT rollout do not place an undue burden on the company.