New broadcasting charge won't negatively affect RTÉ, Minister insists

The Minister for Communications said a new Broadcasting Charge would not affect funding received by RTÉ.

A new consumer payment to replace the current TV Licence Fee was included in the programme for Government.

Alex White reiterated that any such charge would not be introduced in the lifetime of this Government, saying they are delaying the introduction over fears the public will not accept a new fee.

Minister White said the aim of the fee would be to increase the number of people paying for their consumption of broadcast media.

"If there are a number of people - even a relatively small number of people - not paying, that means the rest of us are paying for them," he said.

"We're not talking about reducing the funding base. We're talking about actually, if anything, increasing the finding base - and ensuring that the commercial sector can benefit.

"I think there is a case for a strong public sector but also a very dynamic commercial sector. And that's what the policy is there to try and promote."