The price of a television licence is to rise by €3, it was announced today.
A licence will cost €158 from October 1st.
Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources Noel Dempsey said the Government had agreed to an application by RTÉ for an increase.
The decision follows a review by Indecon Consultants of RTÉ's performance in 2005
The Minister said Indecon reported RTÉ had "broadly succeeded in fulfilling its corporate and financial commitments". The organisation had also met or exceeded commitments on television, radio, publishing and performing output, he said.
"The principal reason for this [the licence increase] is that it will provide RTÉ with the means to further strengthen the schedules it delivers the audience in circumstances where Indecon have reported that RTÉ is providing value for money," Mr Dempsey said.
Figures released by RTÉ last month show Pat Kenny was paid €899,000 in 2004. Second-placed Gerry Ryan earned a total of €487,492, while third-placed Marian Finucane earned €439,265, over €78,000 more than in 2003.
Ryan Tubridy, who replaced Finucane on the weekday morning slot at RTÉ radio, was paid €216,150.
An RTÉ spokeswoman defended the amounts paid to presenters such as Kenny and Ryan, saying they represented "the market rate".
