Ms Moya Doherty:

Yes, but it could be termed a features programme, as opposed to pure current affairs. It deals with some news issues.

With regard to accountability, as a board we would want to ensure absolute independence. As I said earlier in my address, our first and foremost responsibility is to the audience. As a former producer or editor of any programming, it is difficult to pick out individual programmes and decide why RTE as an editor would have dropped them, or not. There has to be an element of calculated risk when one is making television programming.

As regards retaining formats that work, it is RTE's and the editorial staff's right to change. There are arguments about keeping what works and changing. Certainly, if something is failing desperately, the RTE management will look closely at it. The board, and I as chairperson, will be asking questions as to why that is happening.

The Deputy referred to "Questions and Answers" and "Winning Streak". Every time RTE changes or closes something there is an outcry because sometimes the audience does not like change; they like familiarity. That probably shows the relationship RTE has with its audience nationally - it is that familiarity of being the heritage broadcaster.

I would like to think that we have strong current affairs editors in place where balance is hugely important. One may listen to a programme across two hours, but the view has to be taken across 24 hours or a week. With the new members, the board will be well equipped to ensure that we ask the right questions of the management in RTE.