RTÉ has to be ‘prudent’ about how money is spent, says director general

The new director general of RTÉ has pledged to continue an overhaul at the broadcaster and said that projects involving 1916 centenary commemorations and the Olympics will mean a larger financial deficit this year.

Dee Forbes also said RTÉ had to be “prudent” about how it spent its money, particularly given the expected volatility when Britain triggers its exit from the EU next March.

Ms Forbes, appointed to the top job in RTÉ three months ago, said 2016 was a more difficult year financially than had been expected, but welcomed moves by Minister for Communications Denis Naughten to crack down on people not paying the licence fee.