RTÉ allocated €20m less than expected for 2027

RTÉ was allocated €240 million for 2027, €20 million below the €260 million figure in a multiyear funding arrangement, and its director general told an Oireachtas committee the broadcaster was informed of the reduction three hours before the Budget announcement. Kevin Bakhurst said the possibility of a cut had not been raised during regular meetings with the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport. He said RTÉ executives were surprised by the decision and expected the funding arrangement to be honoured. Chairman Terence O’Rourke told the committee he had expected the funding to be provided. Department secretary general Feargal Ó Coigligh said the minister had sought the full €260 million but the department’s overall allocation fell short of what was wanted. He said the minister had to make choices among the department’s responsibilities and agencies, and that concerns about the pace of RTÉ’s reforms were considered. Ó Coigligh initially said cutting RTÉ’s funding was not the minister’s proposal, then clarified that it was not his preference. The department’s account cited both budget limits and reform progress. Minister Patrick O’Donovan had said after the Budget that...