Mr. John O'Kane:

We would be very uncomfortable if as a result of any changes there were to be any interference. We do not believe that the provisions of the Bill are likely to impact on us. We believe our autonomy stems from the statutory basis provided by the Broadcasting Act and we do not believe that the new Bill would significantly undermine our autonomy. The provisions for how we operate our relationship with the National Concert Hall are described in our licence agreement rather than in legislation. We have not picked this up as a threat to our autonomy. We would be very exercised if it were because it is critical that any arts body is able to exercise full independence in how it fulfils its artistic function.