'Cool heads' needed to ensure RTÉ delivers, says Canney

Cool heads are required to ensure RTÉ fulfills its commitments, according to Minister of State Seán Canney. The Minister expressed faith that additional dialogue between RTÉ and Media Minister Patrick O Donovan will occur on funding, which has been reduced to €240m over a three-year period. The reduction was due to Minister O Donovan's dissatisfaction with RTÉ's progress in implementing promised reforms, despite RTÉ Director General Kevin Bakhurst denying the assertion that the pace of reform has been slow.

O Donovan also mentioned budgetary constraints on his department, which led to the decision, after spending curbs imposed by Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers. Canney emphasized the need for RTÉ to meet its targets with the available funding, and stated that further engagement will occur as progress is made. RTÉ has already achieved 90% of its reform agenda, but Bakhurst acknowledged that the broadcaster needs to address its voluntary redundancies.

The National Union of Journalists condemned the funding cut, warning that the government's ability to reduce funding could compromise RTÉ's independence. Media regulator Coimisiún na Meán expressed disappointment with the budget parameters, stating they will engage with RTÉ to assess the impact on delivering services and performance commitments.