A move was made last night by the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands, Ms de Valera, to resolve her differences with RTE over the creation of a new digital television network.
She has appointed the former president of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, Mr Philip Flynn, as a facilitator for consultations on the new network with RTE.
Mr Flynn would seek to promote a "common understanding" between RTE and her Department, she said. He would present her with a report in about three weeks after holding discussions with RTE staff and management.
The Opposition and RTE management expressed concern earlier this month when Ms de Valera declined to deny a report that RTE would not be given any stake in the new digital transmission network, Digico.