RTÉ Capital Development Funding
The Minister said RTÉ funded capital works through internal resources and commercial borrowing or leasing, and declined to fund studio completion, citing the need for commercial viability. He gave annual spending totals for 1983–85 and promised to provide a list of the works.
asked the Minister for Communications if he allocated funds to RTE for capital development works in 1983, 1984 and 1985; and the works involved, if any.
Comment on this
RTE's funds for their capital programme in the years in question have been generated internally and through commercial borrowing or leasing. The works involved have in the main been confined to the renewal and development of the radio and television transmission networks and to essential renewals of production equipment and improvement in production facilities.
Comment on this
Would the Minister consider providing capital funds for the completion of the major studios at RTE which require funding?
Comment on this
I understand that in certain circumstances we could, but my approach to RTE and to all State companies for which I am responsible is to put them on a proper commercial footing. As a result, we have made certain decisions. For instance, this year we have allowed RTE to extend radio advertising to Sundays, and we have increased the licence fee by £5, £2 above the rate of inflation, in order to help them put their finances in order and to put them on a sound financial footing for the future. This has been necessary because of neglect over the past number of years. I hope whichever Government are in power in future will approach not only the finances of RTE but the finances of all State companies in a commercial way.
Comment on this
Deputy O'Rourke asked about the works involved in 1983, 1984 and 1985. Would the Minister mention them?
Comment on this
I have not got a list of the internal works because that is a matter internal to RTE, but I can give the sums involved. During 1983 a total of £3.861 million was spent; in 1984 a sum of £4.144 million; and in 1985 a sum of £4.4 million.
Comment on this
I do not want to be controversial but the Minister was asked for the works involved. He has not given them. The question asked the works, if any, involved. He should have that. His answer was not prepared properly.