RTE in Crisis

Michéal Martin expresses ‘genuine concern’ over potential Exchequer funding of RTÉ

RTÉ had previously requested 34.5 million euro in interim funding and has since projected that it will face a €21 million drop in licence fee funding by the end of the year

The government is awaiting independent analysis from NewERA about a range of issues at RTÉ before deciding on the level of interim funding needed at the broadcaster. Picture: Niall Carson

Michéal Martin has said there could be “dangers” in directly funding RTÉ as his party’s annual think-in concluded with a debate on the future of broadcasting in Ireland.

Speaking to reporters at the end of the event, the Tánaiste said the government had to take “some interim steps” to deal with a financial crisis within the national broadcaster.

The think-in, which was held at the Horse and Jockey Hotel in Co Tipperary, featured a session ...