Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said the possible replacement of the TV licence fee with a new household media charge has been made harder by the recent payments controversy at RTÉ.
Speaking to reporters in South Korea, he said a decision as to whether to stick with a version of the TV licence, introduce a version of a broadcasting charge or opt for direct exchequer funding has not yet been made.
"We will need a long-term funding model for the future and we plan to make a decision on that, and legislate for it if necessary next year, and then have a new system of funding in place for 2025," Mr Varadkar said.
"I think the recent controversy has made that option harder, of a household media charge, because I think there will still be a lot of people who would refuse to pay and resent paying it," he added.
RTÉ has been hit with a sharp fall in TV licence fee revenue following revelations in June over the under-declaration of presenter Ryan Tubridy's salary.
Last month, Minister for Media Catherine Martin warned that the fall in licence fee revenue could cost RTÉ €61m over this year and next year.
In September, RTÉ Director General Kevin Bakhurst announced a recruitment freeze and a pause in discretionary spending at the broadcaster.
He and his management team have been developing a strategic framework for the future of RTÉ, which is due to be completed this month.
Asked about the plan, Mr Varadkar said he was not necessarily of the view that he wanted a national broadcaster that is much smaller than it is now.
"If public service broadcasting is of real value, then it should continue," he said.
