The Minister responsible for broadcasting, Ms Sile de Valera, has sought the views of her Cabinet colleagues on a proposal to sell RTE's transmission network on the open market before digital television is launched.
While the Taoiseach maintained yesterday that no decision had been taken on the issue, Ms de Valera has circulated the proposal to all her colleagues for their observations. The plan would involve the amendment of the Broadcasting Bill.
If such an amendment were approved, it would mark a major change in the Government's intentions for the transmission network. The move would take all control of the existing transmission system and the new network away from RTE.
Both Mr Ahern and the Ms de Valera yesterday refused to confirm or deny a report that she wants to privatise RTE's transmission network.
The report, which appeared in yesterday's Irish Independent, also said the Government would exclude RTE from the joint venture company which is to build the State's new digital television network.
Up to now the Government had intended that RTE would take a 40 per cent stake in the new company.
Pressed on the matter in the Dail yesterday, Mr Ahern said: "The Government has not made any such decisions and there is no such proposal before the Government at this stage."
His qualified response was interpreted last night as an indication that such a move is being seriously considered.
Ms de Valera indicated that she would be bringing forward amendments to the Broadcasting Bill, but declined to say whether these amendments would provide for such a privatisation.