Michael Colreavy (Sligo-North Leitrim, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Perhaps I misheard that. We should consider the public service role of RTE and local media and whether the available funding should be apportioned to support such communications. I am not sure if it is done in any other jurisdiction but I would like to find out. We are talking about fairness and equity. I take the point about the inflated salaries in RTE, but that is a separate issue. Perhaps we should be comparing salaries in all State organisations with those in comparable organisations elsewhere. The solution is to ensure that independent media and broadcasting continues and thrives where possible. We cannot let down 77% of the market.

Independent broadcasters are commercial operators, which means they would have to be up-front with us about whether they are getting into high-risk territory or doing fine. We need that kind of openness and transparency. As a committee, we must examine the apportionment of the public service broadcasting requirement and support it, whether in the State or independent sectors.