European Commission Closes Public Funding Investigation

The European Commission has announced the closure of its investigation into the compatibility of the public funding arrangements for RTÉ and Teillfis na Gailge (TG4) and EU State Aid rules.
Communications Minister Eamon Ryan welcomed the move and said: “The positive outcome of the negotiations confirms the absence of any inappropriate state aid and provides for more transparency in the framework for public funding of the Public Service Broadcasters RTÉ and Teilifís na Gailge (TG4) in Ireland.
"I will bring forward proposals for a comprehensive new Broadcasting Act, which will set up the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI).
"It is my intention that this new Authority will carry out the necessary supervisory functions in relation to RTE and TG4 that have been decided in conjunction with the European Commission.”
The Minister intimated that implementation of various aspects of the agreement reached would be included in the upcoming Broadcasting Bill.
(DS)