The Arts Council is to ask RTÉ to clarify its programming plans as a matter of urgency after controversial changes to the national broadcaster's arts schedule announced last week.
Arts Council director Mary Cloake will meet the RTÉ director general Cathal Goan on June 20 thand said she would ask for clarification on the arts programming that will be part of the autumn schedules across radio and television.
RTÉ's head of Radio 1, Ana Leddy, announced last week that the afternoon arts programme Rattlebag, presented by Myles Dungan, as well as the late-night music programme Mystery Trainpresented by John Kelly, are to be dropped.
Ms Cloake said she would be concerned if the arts were to be "marginalised" exclusively into late-night broadcasting slots. She also said there was "long-standing" concern at the absence of an arts correspondent working out of the RTÉ newsroom.
Ms Cloake said the pivotal role of RTÉ in the arts "goes well beyond the issue of scheduling arts programmes".
"But it is a concern for the Arts Council if arts programming does not remain central to the schedules, and I will be raising as a matter of great urgency, the need for RTÉ to clarify its programming plans," she said in a statement.
The Arts Council director said public sector broadcasting remains "the vehicle through which the vast majority of people experience the arts".
Noting RTÉ's plan for a new arts programme at 11pm on RTÉ Radio 1, in addition to increased arts coverage on mainstream daytime radio, Ms Cloake said she awaited clarification of how these plans would work in practice.
"However, I would be concerned if the arts are to be marginalised exclusively into late night broadcasting."
Ms Cloake added: "Furthermore, we have had a long-standing concern about the absence of an arts correspondent to work out of the newsroom. An arts correspondent would be an internal advocate in RTÉ for the arts and would work to ensure that the arts form part of the daily news agenda.
"As a country, we have an economy that is acknowledged as a great one in global terms. If we are to match our economy with a well balanced society, the arts have an important role to play. RTÉ, as the public service broadcaster funded by the taxpayer, is fundamental to this crucial role. I look forward to a comprehensive and reassuring discussion with RTÉ on 20 June."
Almost 60 prominent figures in the arts, including poet Paul Durcan, writer Anne Enright and musician Gavin Friday signed a letter published in today's Irish Timesexpressing concern about the decision to drop the arts programme Rattlebag, and the "quirky and imaginative" Mystery Train.