There was a notable division among committee members on this recommendation, with the committee’s chair and other government members voting against abolishing the TV licence fee.

Committee Chairwoman Niamh Smyth acknowledged “divergent views” among TDs and Senators on funding methods, while Fine Gael TD Ciaran Cannon cautioned that eliminating the fee would be “unwise.”

Ms. Smyth stated: “The committee’s headline recommendation is the abolition of the TV licence, a topic of much debate with divergent views, but we present the majority recommendation.”

The committee proposes Exchequer funding managed by Coimisiun na Mean and recommends multiannual funding based on corresponding multiannual strategies on performance commitments.

Additionally, the committee recommended retaining RTÉ’s “dual-funding model” of State funding and advertising, with appropriate transparency measures.

When asked about the committee’s division on the funding model, several members expressed support for maintaining the TV licence fee. Fine Gael TD Michael Ring said, “I think people should be paid something for their TV,” and Mr. Cannon emphasized the importance of a sense of ownership in public service broadcasting.

Mr. Cannon noted that the division reflects the broader Oireachtas and that the final decision rests with the Cabinet, highlighting consensus around protecting public service and regional contributions to broadcasting.

Ms. Smyth remarked that the RTÉ controversy last summer focused on sustainable public service broadcasting, citing a Reuters report showing increased trust in RTÉ.

The committee emphasized that the media should reflect the country’s people and interests, recommending a public code for equal media access, more broadcasting of arts and culture events, and diversification of sports broadcasting. It also called for ambitious targets for the Irish language and pay parity for Raidio na Gaeltachta staff.

Media Minister Catherine Martin was urged to consider the committee’s recommendations. Fianna Fáil Senator Malcolm Byrne highlighted the dramatic changes in the media landscape since the days of everyone watching TV together on Sunday evenings.

Senator Byrne called for a new funding model for RTÉ’s digital strategy, describing the TV licence fee as an outdated mechanism from a different era and advocating for direct Exchequer funding.

Senator Fintan Warfield encouraged the minister to research a content levy, which he claimed could generate €25 million annually for Irish productions. “Big tech needs to pay their fair share,” he said.

Sinn Féin TD Imelda Munster noted a split among Fianna Fáil members on transitioning from a TV licence fee to direct government funding, criticizing the government for not making a decisive move despite numerous reports and recommendations.

Mr. Ring questioned why media organizations offer free online articles, while Tipperary TD Mattie McGrath raised concerns about GAAGo match broadcasts.

NUJ assistant general secretary Seamus Dooley praised the report as “good” and “courageous,” and stated that it was “never right” for Irish language journalists to be paid less than their English language counterparts.