TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Officials at the Executive Yuan (行政院) revealed on Friday (Jan. 24) the decision to restrict press room access to weekdays only and cut wireless internet service stems following budget cuts. A day earlier, the Executive Yuan claimed that the deletion of the NT$50 million budget for the Department of Information Services (新聞傳播處) has forced the termination of contracts for sign language interpreters.
Michelle Lee (李慧芝), spokesperson for the Executive Yuan, stated that the previous cost of employing two sign language interpreters was approximately NT$2,200 per hour each, and the budget cut has made it impossible to retain their services. The Executive Yuan personnel confirmed that both the sign language interpreter and press room wireless internet budgets originated from the Department of Information Services. Following the budget reduction, adjustments became necessary.
Although the press room will remain open, the cut of NT$200 million and the freeze of NT$500 million in the main office's operational expenses have led to limited access hours to save on electricity costs. Addressing concerns about the Legislative Yuan (立法院) not yet submitting the general budget proposal, officials explained that accountants began controlling funds after the third reading to comply with legal requirements. The Executive Yuan's proactive response aims to prevent any legal infractions.
