RTÉ executives are set to appear before the Dáil's Public Accounts Committee on Thursday, July 9, 2026, to address financial strategies and reforms following a sharp decline in television licence revenue.
According to figures from An Post, the national broadcaster is projected to secure fees from approximately 200,000 fewer television licences this year compared to 2022, before its public payment controversies.
Current data shows 358,000 licences were sold during the first six months of 2026, pointing toward an annual total of roughly 750,000 sales.
This creates a funding deficit of nearly €32 million against 2022 levels.
Financial Status and Cost Controls
RTÉ Director General Kevin Bakhurst will present an opening statement to the committee outlining the broadcaster's latest fiscal status and cost management measures.
Bakhurst stated that the organization has "reporting deficits and strengthened our financial position" and highlighted how commercial adjustments have impacted operations.
He will note the role of the updated commercial strategy, which has "driven digital revenue and is paying dividends," according to Bakhurst.
The executive will emphasize that these financial updates are connected to previous structural decisions, stating that the established framework allowed for systematic planning and long-term agreements.
"We would appeal very strongly that a similar commitment is made in 2027 when this next comes up for review," Bakhurst said.
He will reference external assessments regarding the broader media market in Ireland, noting a "recognised funding challenge."
Bakhurst explained that the initial multi-year agreement served as a "critical step in addressing that funding volatility."
Bakhurst clarified that RTÉ is managing its strategy within the limits of the €725 million three-year public funding package allocated by the Government for 2025 through 2027.
"This is phased as follows over the three years; €225m in 2025, €240m this year and €260m in 2027," he stated.
He added that the final public funding requirement for 2026 will depend on total TV licence revenue collected by the end of December.
Representatives from RTÉ will also address upcoming regulatory oversight changes and "the steps being taken" regarding "significant reforms."
Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers stated on Thursday that the continuous decline in licence fee revenue necessitates structural changes to the television licence system, confirming that no additional funding top-ups have been considered.
