Two key reports on RTÉ expected shortly

The Government has said it expects to receive two key reports on RTÉ very shortly.

Taoiseach Simon Harris met the Minister for Media Catherine Martin yesterday evening to discuss the issue, and said the recommendations of the report are key to moving forward.

Last summer Minister Martin commissioned two external reports on the national broadcaster, one reviewing governance and culture, and the second focusing on contractor fees, human resources and other matters.

These reports had been expected by the end of March, but a Government spokesperson said this week that while the report on contractor fees had concluded its work, the other review on culture is still being finalised.

There is also an eagerness within Government to move things along more quickly. A spokesperson said the Taoiseach believes recommendations from such reports and how RTÉ responds to them is key in terms of making progress.

Labour Party Senator Marie Sherlock has urged the Government not to drag out the process.

Speaking on RTÉ’s Saturday with Colm Ó Mongáin, Senator Sherlock said there have been “repeated committments” from Government ministers to make a decision this year regarding funding for RTÉ, and yet “we’re now in April and time is pressing on”.

She said that while the reports “need to be got right” there also needs to be clarity around when they will be seen.

She said they need a ministerial decision and to see the reports published “as soon as possible”.