Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Ms Doherty and wish her well in her challenging role as chair of RTE, the State broadcaster. Before discussing issues I always start by asking chairpersons designate a standard question. Is or has Ms Doherty ever been a member of a political party?

RTE is faced with a number of issues. Ms Doherty has mentioned licence fees and that 83% goes to RTE and 17% goes elsewhere. The first question independent broadcasters will ask in any discussion of licence fees is whether RTE gives value for money in terms of the methods and costs involved in producing programmes. Any major RTE programme always has a raft of producers, sub-producers and researchers but independent broadcasters do not seem to use the same amount of people. Is Ms Doherty satisfied, as chairperson, that everything has been looked at in terms of the cost base for programme production in RTE?

In terms of recent controversies, a huge question hangs over some of the current affairs programmes. In particular, allegations were made against innocent people in the programmes. Also, during the presidential election, RTE could not source a tweet. RTE sat in front of this committee and told us it could not source the tweet but every five or six-year old child can do it within seconds. It is incredible that the State broadcaster could not do the same.

I wish to discuss a number of other issues. I come from a rural constituency. Some people say that a weather crisis in Dublin always makes headlines on RTE. Ms Doherty spoke about creative arts and the talent in the country. Is she satisfied that RTE looks at the nation as a whole in regard to broadcasting, media coverage and what is out there? There is a perception, rightly, that it is a matter of Dublin versus the rest of the country in terms of RTE. One must challenge that situation. There is a huge amount of talent that needs to be harnessed. We must ensure that the State broadcaster represents all of the country. That is one of things that I ask her to look at and to challenge.

Another issue that constantly arises is the major salaries paid by RTE. How is that justified? The figures are mentioned on a daily and weekly basis. Are they justifiable at this stage? Over the years it has been constantly said that RTE had to pay the salaries because if it did not individuals would go to another media outlet or whatever. I am certain there is plenty of talent available to replace them. One of my criticisms of RTE is that it did not bring in new people at all levels in order to make sure it did not have an over-reliance on one or two individuals. That being said, there is a pile of positives within RTE. Over the years it has done a massive service to the State.

There is an issue about licence fees for the State broadcaster. Ms Doherty spoke about evasion and so forth. Recently there have been reports on the evasion issue. In terms of the new broadcasting charge and everything else, is the chairperson of the board prepared to satisfy the Irish people's request that RTE provides value for money? I may mention a few more of these issues later.

I wish Ms Doherty well as chairperson and the committee looks forward to discussions with her over the years.