The massive new fund approved for RTÉ is not a ‘reward’ for the national broadcaster, the Media Minister has insisted.
Catherine Martin earlier this week confirmed that the broadcaster would receive €725 million over three years – with the Exchequer guaranteeing any shortfall in TV licence income.
Under the plan, the broadcaster will receive €225m next year, €240m in 2026 and €260m in 2027.
The new plan will be funded through TV licence fee income with the Exchequer topping up the income through direct grants.
The announcement came amid calls for the TV licence to be scrapped in favour of direct Exchequer funding.
Minister Martin told Newstalk Breakfast she believes reforms are happening in RTÉ.
"I wouldn't see it as a reward", she said.
"I think what we saw last year in the crisis and the controversy that emerged early last summer we have seen the new [Director-General] come in, Kevin Bakhurst, we've seen a number of reforms implemented.
"The two key reports in my mind were the ones commissioned by Government and Culture and Governance and they accepted all those recommendations.
"I see the reform happening, I see greater transparency".
TV licence collection
Minister Martin said TV licence fee collections will be improved through better technology.
"An Post database software is old [and is] using an archaic computer software system," she said
"20% of the database is anonymous so a new database will enable An Post to better determine the occupant of the household and to ensure that those who should pay do pay.
"[They] will also be looking at fixed penalty notices as an alternative to issuing a court summons [for non-payment].
"That's something that is provided for but because of that database being so archaic and that problem with anonymity it can't be done because you're sending a fixed penalty notice to the occupier of a house in many cases.
"I think that could help with the compliance too."
'More important than ever'
Minister Martin said RTÉ has more obligations than other broadcasters.
"In these uncertain times, the role of public service media is more important than ever before," she said.
"One of the recommendations from the Future of Media Commission was the need for multi-annual [funding] and that's what I've delivered.
"RTÉ and TG4 are public bodies with clear, legislative obligations that don't apply in the semi-commercial operators".
'Unequal playing field'
Minister Martin denied creating an unequal playing field in the sector after Virgin Media said it was 'reviewing all options' - including its existing public service commitments - as a result of the funding.
"I am very conscious of that - I've actually done more for other media than any previous minister," she said.
"Access through the Sound and Vision [Scheme], which comes through the TV licence revenue, I've added an additional €28m on top of that in my four years as minister.
"I am very cognisant of the concerns and - I've asked my officials to arrange a meeting with Virgin on foot of that statement"," she added.
Responding to criticism of being unavailable to the media for interview yesterday, Minister Martin said she was en-route to Paris for the Olympic Games at the time.
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