Leo Varadkar conceded convincing the public to pay a new broadcasting levy will be more difficult due to the financial controversy embroiling RTE.

The Government is currently awaiting a reform plan from the national broadcaster. RTE was plunged into controversy in June when it emerged it had undeclared broadcaster Ryan Tubridy’s salary by €345,000 over five years.

Among the reckless outlays was money spent on flip-flops, corporate gigs and the failed Toy Show musical. The storm led to many people refusing to renew their TV licence.

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The coalition has vowed to overhaul the TV licence system by the end of its term in Government in March 2025. Speaking in Seoul yesterday, the Taoiseach said no decisions have been made on how the system will be changed.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar

However, he accepted the introduction of a “media charge” would be difficult to implement. Mr Varadkar said: “Nobody likes to bring in new taxes or new charge.

“As somebody who’s been involved in doing a few successful and unsuccessful, I know how difficult it can be. I think the recent controversy has made that option harder of a household media charge because I think there would still be a lot of people who would refuse to pay it.

“What we’ll have to do initially is see what RTE’s plan is and what its reform plan is. They will need some funding for this year. I think that’s clear already.”

The Taoiseach committed once again to having new legislation or a new funding mechanism in place by 2025. RTE Director General Kevin Bakhurst has said that he would publish a reform plan for the national broadcaster in late October.

It is expected it will be released in the coming days.

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