Mr. Brian Dalton:

The questions should be asked of us. We are stewards on behalf of our audience. We receive €181 million and, in turn, we generate approximately 50% more in terms of commercial income. That is what we are mandated to do. Our contribution to the Irish economy in 2011 was €384 million overall. RTE supports 3,550 people in the Irish economy. In terms of indigenous programming, what we spend and the wider creative economy, it is €249 million. What Sky takes out of the Irish economy - it runs to several hundred million euro - compared to what is ploughed back into it in terms of employment and the spend on indigenous programming is very marked.

Independently, a survey of the Irish adult population found that 75% said they were proud of RTE and of its content. There are important considerations. Of course, we have to demonstrate clear value and what we do with that €181 million. Allowing for our broad remit and what we are as a public service provider, we work hard to serve our audience.