The Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Noel Dempsey T.D., has today announced that following an external review of RTÉs performance in 2004 he has decided to increase the cost of a television licence fee by €3 (2%) with effect from 1 April 2005. This will bring the cost of a television licence from €152 to €155.
The report by independent consultants (Price Waterhouse Coopers) was carried out in October\November of this year. It measured RTÉs performance against its commitments in programming, financial and change management areas for 2004.
The reports key findings were that RTÉ performed strongly in the programming, financial management and commercial areas. It pointed out the need for some improvement in the companys approach to change management and in particular to corporate planning. These issues will begin to be addressed early in the new year.
The Minister will release details of the report, on his Departments website, early in January.
Minister Dempsey said that he was particularly pleased with the reports findings in relation to RTÉs strengthening of its programming output and meeting key financial targets. Public service broadcasting requires a firm financial foundation for the future. Those financial resources must be provided in a transparent and accountable manner. I am satisfied that the annual review process helps provide the public, who fund RTÉ, with the reassurance they need that their money is being used effectively in the public interest by RTÉ, said Minister Dempsey.
For further information
please contact Grace Cappock 0872024971.