The Forum on Broadcasting report, which was presented to the Cabinet today, has recommended a review of the licence fee for RTÉ.
According to the report, the licence fee should be reviewed so that the station would be able to meet the requirements of its public service broadcasting remit.
Ministers agreed to publish the report which is now available on the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources website.
The Minister, Mr Dermot Ahern said it was a clear Report and it was decided to put it into the public domain until the end of September, and to invite comments from interested parties. The proposals would be put to Cabinet on completion of the consultation process.
Other conclusions of the report suggested the licence fee system should remain as the basis for public funding of RTÉ. It also suggests the status of the RTÉ Authority should be redefined so that it becomes a Board of Directors.
The Forum recommended establishing a new single regulator for broadcasting in Ireland within three years.
Speaking on RTÉ radio this evening, Mr Ahern said a strong desire for more transparency and accountability in relation to the spending of the licence fee was evident in the submissions to the Forum.
The first Cabinet meeting after the summer recess was dominated by discussions on the Nice Treaty referendum with the Taoiseach urging ministers to start campaigning in their constituencies.
The Bill on the Referendum is to be put before the Dáil next week and today’s briefing was seen as the start of the Government’s Yes campaign.