THE GOVERNMENT is set to appoint a new RTÉ Authority within weeks, following recommendations from Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources Eamon Ryan to the Cabinet.

The national broadcaster has been without a board since the last authority stepped down on December 31st, having agreed to extend its term of office from June.

The delay is causing concern within RTÉ and surprise among the last board membership, though there is no evidence that major projects have been held up as a result.

“The new board will be appointed within the next few weeks,” a department spokeswoman said. “Hopefully, as soon as possible.”

The new board will lose some powers once the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland – which will have command over both public service and commercial television – is set up.

The RTÉ Authority meets monthly and currently acts as RTÉ’s board of directors, dictating general policy and overseeing the operations of RTÉ on a non-executive basis, with day-to-day control held by executive management.