The Government will likely scrap the TV licence in its current form, Eamon Ryan has said. 

Eamon Ryan made the remark in the Dáil when pressed by Sinn Féin about the future of RTÉ, following the payments scandal last year.

“We will provide an alternative funding mechanism,” he told TDs. 

“I do not expect it to be a continuation of the licensing system and the exact details will have to be agreed with Government before I give you the final answer on that.” 

The RTÉ Montrose campus in Donnybrook, Dublin. Image: Mark Stedman/RollingNews

The number of people paying the TV licence fee has dropped significantly since last summer and there has been criticism from the opposition about the decision to take people to court for non-payment.

Deputy Ryan also asked Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald, “You’re paying your licence, would you encourage Sinn Féin supporters to also pay theirs?”

In response, Deputy McDonald replied, “I have made no suggestion that people not pay their licence. 

“As a matter of fact, save your homily for [Media Minister] Catherine Martin, your colleague, who equivocated on the matter. 

“What I do wish to be clear on, is that the State and your Government should not chase thousands of people through the courts for non-payment of the licence fee.” 

In November, the Government announced a €56 million bailout for RTÉ from public funds.

Main image: Green Party leader Eamon Ryan on his way into Cabinet. Image: Sam Boal/RollingNews