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Budget 2024: Government must heed public’s view before allocating RTÉ additional funding

Fine Gael minister Patrick O’Donovan says direct exchequer funding required in the short-term for national broadcaster

Patrick O’Donovan, the Minister of State for the Office of Public Works:“I'm sure Minsiter Martin when she brings a proposal to the cabinet will be cognisant of the people's views around the country that have been articulated in recent times about what has happened at RTÉ.” Picture: Sasko Lazarov/Photocallireland

The government “must be cognisant” of the public’s views on RTÉ ahead of any additional funding being provided as part of this year’s budget, Patrick O’Donovan, the Fine Gael Minister of State, has said.

Speaking to reporters in Dublin’s Phoenix Park, O’Donovan - who notably called on RTÉ to sell its Montrose campus to help tackle its growing financial crisis - said that while the government would need to provide the national broadcaster with interim ...