TG4 is on the way to being granted independence from RTÉ, following the appointment of consultants to develop an implementation plan.
The Government appointed Deloitte and Touche to draw up the plan for the break-up yesterday. The firm, with solicitor William Fry, will assist the Department of Communications in the preparation of a plan for the establishment of TG4 as an independent statutory body.
Based in Baile na hAbhann in Galway, the Irish language station began broadcasting in October 1996 under the umbrella of RTÉ. It has a daily audience of around 100,000 people.
Under the Broadcasting Act 2001, the assets of TG4 can be transferred to a new public corporation independent of RTÉ, called Telefís na Gaeilge. Preparation of the plan is to start immediately and it will be presented to Government in the autumn.
Making the announcement, Minister for Communications Noel Dempsey said the Government is committed to supporting the development of Irish language broadcasting and to the establishment of TG4 as a separate statutory body.
"Less than nine years into its existence, TG4 is widely acknowledged as a success," he said. "It has won prestigious prizes and awards at national and international level."
A spokeswoman for RTÉ welcomed the announcement and said it would co-operate.
TG4 invests over €15 million annually in original programming from the independent sector. It also has won rights to broadcast live coverage of Wimbledon, the Tour de France, the Dáil debates and Euro Millions.
