1543. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to provide an update on moves to bring RTÉ under the remit of the Comptroller and Auditor General; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59037/26]

The Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill 2026 provides that the Comptroller and Auditor General will undertake the following activities in relation to RTÉ:

• carry out an audit of the RTÉ's annual accounts under section 5 of the Comptroller and Auditor General (Amendment) Act 1993;

• carry out, where the Comptroller and Auditor General considers it appropriate, a value-for-money examination under section 9 of the Comptroller and Auditor General (Amendment) Act 1993;

• submit, under section 11 of the Comptroller and Auditor General (Amendment) Act 1993;

• on foot of its annual audit, an audit report; and,

• on foot of an annual audit or any value-for-money examination, a special report.

The Bill completed Second Stage in Dáil Éireann on 10 June 2026. Committee Stage is expected to take place when the Dáil returns after the Summer Recess. The enhancement of transparency and accountability in RTÉ, and in particular the assignment of the Comptroller and Auditor General as auditor in sufficient time to audit RTÉ’s 2026 financial statements, is a priority. Accordingly, it is intended to enact and commence the relevant provisions of the Bill by the end of the year.