No second bailout for RTÉ as minister rules out renewed State funding after 2027

Media minister Patrick O’Donovan says RTÉ must grow commercial revenue and modernise as ring-fenced funding ends in 2027

In July 2024, the Government, under former minister Catherine Martin, agreed to provide ring-fenced annual funding for RTÉ worth €725m over three years. Picture: Denis Minihane

The Government will not provide a “second bailout” to RTÉ or renew its ring-fenced annual funding arrangement when it runs out in 2027, media minister Patrick O’Donovan has said.

In an interview with the Irish Examiner, the Fine Gael TD said under “no circumstances” would he ask the Irish taxpayer to fund the national broadcaster, warning it would have to continue to grow its commercial revenues.