Irish and British politicians have raised concerns over the closure of RTÉ’s London bureau.
Members of the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly met in Dublin where they said the closure this September could have long-term consequences for the Irish community.
In a motion put forward at the assembly’s 44th plenary session at Leinster House, politicians said they believed that on-the-spot access for Irish-based media and engagement in public life in Britain supports the fulfilment of the vision of future relations between the two countries.
The motion, made by Welsh Labour Party MP, said it noted that a fall in revenue had made it difficult for the state broadcaster to keep the London bureau.
RTÉ has five staff working in its London office. It decided to close the office as part of a cost-cutting drive. The broadcaster cut 200 jobs last year. It is trying to reduce a deficit of €50 million for this year.
Politicians at the assembly also paid tribute to what they described as “the illustrious record of service provided by the bureau and its staff in keeping viewers informed about British economic, political and cultural life, contributing to the peaceful resolution of conflict and promoting increasingly close relations”.