RTÉ voluntary exits cost €8.5m in 2025, report shows

RTÉ's 2025 annual report reveals significant costs associated with its voluntary exit program, with 67 staff departures under the VEP costing €8.5 million. However, the broadcaster also confirmed that these exits, combined with the suppression of 30 other roles, generated annual savings of €8.4 million.

The report, which received Cabinet approval, highlights a substantial increase in RTÉ's financial surplus, reaching €22.5 million in 2025 compared to €5.5 million the previous year. This improved financial standing occurred despite a continued decline in the sales of TV licence fee units, which fell from 792,243 in 2024 to 768,657 in 2025. The 3% decrease was mitigated by increased income from the Department of Social Protection for "free TV licences."

Overall revenue saw a €3 million increase, reaching €383.4 million in 2025 from €380.4 million in 2024. This growth was supported by a 5% rise in TV licence fee income, which amounted to €183.5 million in 2025, up from €174.3 million in 2024. RTÉ's revenue streams also include a multi-annual public funding package of €725 million for 2025–2027 and commercial revenue, which saw a marginal increase to €158.6 million from €158.1 million. Advertising and sponsorship revenue across TV, radio, and RTÉ guide remained stable at €121.1 million, though TV advertising and sponsorship income specifically decreased.