The proposed licence fee increase for RTE is linked to the setting up of Teilifis na Gaeilge, Ms Sile de Valera, Fianna Fail spokeswoman on the arts, culture and heritage, said yesterday. Ms de Valera said she did not believe Government assurances that there was no connection between the two.
A Government commitment was given in 1995 that the day to day running costs of Teilifis na Gaeilge would be funded directly by the Exchequer, according to Ms de Valera. I believe the issue of RTE's licence fee increase and funding for TnaG should not be linked. It is reckless of Minister Higgins to proceed on the current course without a proper financial structure, independent of RTE, in place for TnaG."