RTÉ’s Director General has said reform of the broadcaster’s funding model is ‘urgent’ amid the drop-off in TV licence purchases.

Speaking after a meeting with Media Minister Catherine Martin this afternoon Kevin Bakhurst said he has discussed a model where public service broadcasting is paid for through direct taxation with state broadcasters in other countries.

He described it as a “really interesting thing to be explored”.

Mr Backhurst also discussed details of a report into RTÉ’s use of barter accounts at the meeting – and he told reporters it contains some "very useful" findings.

He would not be drawn into specifics ahead of the publication of the report later this afternoon.

He also refused to give a timeline when asked about the future funding of RTÉ.

“The timing has got to be right and that is really a matter for the minister,” he said.

Asked whether the drop-off in TV Licence payments had made it a lot more urgent, he said: “We have highlighted the issue and it is urgent, but the timing has got to be right”.

“We have got to show we have made changes to the organisation before that happens,” he said.

Minister Martin has not spoken publicly about the RTÉ situation since July and she is expected to break her silence later on this afternoon after the report is published.