Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is a very direct question. Mr. Dalton rightly spoke about best practice. However, a very senior position became available in the organisation. I am not in any way questioning the talent that is within. I am sure anybody within is more than capable of taking on any position within the company. Just to give the public the reassurance that it is not just an accession within an organisation, it is important that there is open competition for positions particularly a senior level. I am sure the witnesses will accept, particularly when RTE is going through a period of financial restructuring, that the position should be advertised publicly. I am not questioning anybody within but it would be naive to suggest there would not be talent out there that could possibly surpass what is already there, and if it does not then RTE should appoint from within. From the point of view of transparency and showing the taxpayer and the television licence holder that RTE is serious about ensuring transparency, positions like that at a certain management level should be advertised publicly.