Ciara Kelly has criticised the Media Minister for her failure to speak to Newstalk about her multi-million-euro bailout for RTÉ.
On Newstalk Breakfast this morning, Ciara said Minister Catherine Martin has only appeared on Newstalk once since the RTÉ payments scandal broke.
She noted that other ministers, including the Taoiseach and Tánaiste, have been consistently appearing on Newstalk throughout that time – and questioned why Minister Martin is reluctant to come on-air to speak about RTÉ.
She made the comments after Minister Martin yesterday confirmed a massive new fund for RTÉ – with the Exchequer guaranteeing any shortfall in TV Licence income.
Under the plan, the broadcaster will receive €725 million over three years – €225m next year, €240m in 2026, and €260m in 2027.
Ciara urged the minister to talk to RTÉ’s competitors about the plan.
"We did want to speak to you about RTÉ this morning, we did want to speak to you about the €725m secured in an unprecedented move," she said.
"We have invited the Media Minister Catherine Martin on the show to talk about this this morning.
"The Minister has not agreed to come on the show with us this morning".
'Looking back at our records'
Ciara said Minister Martin has only spoken to the show once since last July.
We were looking back at our records; since this story has broken in July of last year, she never came on with us in 2023 [and] she came on with us once in 2024," she said.
"You might think that's normal.
"In that time, we've had multiple interviews with the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste, the Minister for Finance, Health, Housing, Agriculture, Justice.
"We have Ministers bouncing in and out of here like yo-yos, talking to you - the public - about what is important.
"The Media Minister does not speak to this organisation on this topic, except for once in an absolute blue moon".
'We are skewed now'
Ciara said the new RTÉ funding has 'skewed' the Irish media landscape even further.
"This is an issue because now our media landscape is a completely unequal playing field because RTÉ has funding from sponsorship, funding for advertising, funding from the licence fee and funding from the Exchequer.
"That is a big deal because we are skewed now.
"We will invite you again this morning, Minister, publicly to come on and speak to other media organisations.
"I know you were on the Six-One News last night; it's all very good and well to speak to RTÉ who you've just given €700m to.
"The rest of us would like a word as well in your ear.
"You are invited Minister - we'd like to hear from you and our listeners would like to hear from you this morning," she added.
'Reward for inefficiency'
The head of Virgin Media Television said she was "extremely disappointed" at the Government's decision.
Áine Ní Chaoindealbháin said the new funding will put RTÉ "in a more dominant position than ever before".
"In short, it is a reward for inefficiency and all-round bad practice," she said.
Ms Ní Chaoindealbháin added that Virgin Media has "no alternative" but to review all options - including its existing public service commitments.
There had been earlier calls for the TV licence to be scrapped in favour of direct Exchequer funding.
The new plan will see a hybrid model of taxpayers' paying €160 in the licence fee as well as direct annual Exchequer grants.
