Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the delegation for the presentations. RTE provides an excellent and valuable service and none of us want to see its quality or programmes reduced. A lot of the presentations focused on funding and increased funding was sought but that is like asking how long is a piece of string. What kind of funding is sought? It has been said that funding comes with conditions and I want to know what they are. We are talking about public funding and public moneys. What proposal does RTE wish to put to the public? It has been stated in the report that RTE broke even in 2013 and it has been just been stated that there was a surplus. What are the projections for the coming year?

The members of the delegation stated what would be done with more funding. What can the public expect from RTE if more funding is provided? Will it create jobs?

I have read the report and know that RTE prides itself on being open, transparent and efficient. Many of us are well aware of anonymous social media messaging from speaking on local radio stations. The debate during the presidential election campaign was also a key issue last year. What steps have been taken to deal with anonymous messages? People should not be able to submit anonymous text messages and they should state where the message comes from and whether the details are true or false. Something needs to be done and I ask the delegation to elaborate on the matter.

The delegation has said that it hopes to facilitate and open up a bit more to independent producers and educational institutions. My brother is an independent producer who works in an educational institution and I consider the sector to be a closed book at present. Can the delegation expand on how it hopes to help young producers and up-and-coming people get into the industry and work into the future?

I had a question on the debate surrounding Rory O'Neil and the show that took place not too long ago but the delegation has already answered it. How will RTE handle the same-sex marriage debate and prevent something like that situation from happening again?