Broadcasting Bill progress
Deputy McLoughlin sought an update on the broadcasting (miscellaneous provisions) Bill and stronger accountability for RTÉ spending. The Taoiseach referred the matter to the Communications Minister, who said the Bill was being actively worked on alongside a committee process and would involve short-term and longer-term reforms.
Can the Taoiseach provide me with an update on the progress of the broadcasting (miscellaneous provisions) Bill? I am sure he agrees this new legislation is needed to introduce a new level of accountability in respect of how taxpayers' money is spent by RTE.
Comment on this
I thank Deputy McLoughlin. We are actively working on the Bill and I hope to bring a memorandum to Government soon. The joint committee is also looking at the issue currently and held hearings on it yesterday. It is a complex area with which we are trying to deal by way of a two-strand approach. Initially, there will be some short-term measures to deal with the challenges we currently face, but we will also put a longer-term plan in place. The joint committee is actively working on that and I look forward to receiving its report.