Mr. Michael O'Keeffe:

We have specific criteria in that we look at a genre and format mix. Let us say we were to get in a particular round 12 history and heritage documentaries and two science and contemporary society documentaries, inevitably, when we come to the strategic assessment phase, the science and contemporary science documentaries will do better because there is only two of them qualifying. There are 12 qualifying in the other. We are saying to the stakeholders that we want a mix of genres and formats and it is up to them as the sector to ensure that happens because they have a better chance of success if we have a broader range. That is where we have seen more drama coming in from broadcasting. We have seen more animation and children's programming coming in in the past year. We will continue to do that.

We also committed that we would look at this issue in the review that we are undertaking at present because it links also to another point the Comptroller and Auditor General made around achievement. Certain objectives are achieved to a greater extent than others. In an open round system, it is inevitable that there are certain genres that people do not support. We are looking at this issue in the current review and I would say that the feedback from stakeholders has, by and large, been that we should continue with the open round system that we operate.