RTÉ is to set to apply to the Government for a television licence fee increase that would bring the cost of a having a TV to around €152 a year.
It is understood that the Broadcasting Authority will seek the increase once the Minister for Communications, Mr Ahern, brings recommendations to Cabinet on the Forum on Broadcasting report in the next few weeks.
A licence fee currently costs €107 annually. It is understood that RTÉ will apply for an increase in the region of €45.
Sources said last night the Minister was in favour in principle of giving an increase, but only under certain conditions. One is that an external monitor plays a role in regulating RTÉ's funding. It is thought the proposed new Broadcasting Authority of Ireland would fill this role. Such a body would not be up and running for 18 months, as its establishment would require legislation.
The former communications minister, Ms de Valera, last year turned down a request from RTÉ for a fee increase of €63 a year. She gave the go-ahead for a €14.50 increase, which came into effect in September 2001.
The income to RTÉ from licence fees this year is expected to be €112 million. A fee increase of €45 would yield an estimated extra €51 million.
In a submission to Mr Ahern last month, RTÉ called for index-linking of the TV licence fee. The authority also asked him to consider as a matter of priority introducing a commercial licence fee for pubs and hotels.
No extra provision was made in last week's Estimates for a licence fee increase. However, Mr Ahern stressed this did not mean the Government would not order an increase.