Mr. Michael O'Keeffe:

We have key performance indicators, KPIs, in our strategy statement. We have strategic objectives, key deliverables and outcomes for 2019. Our relationship with the Department means that we meet it quarterly, it is given our work plan and objectives and we review the different strands. In the past, we had what used to be called service level agreements. We do not have them anymore. My understanding is that this is linked to the fact that we are an independent regulatory authority with a board. We are answerable to the Oireachtas joint committee and also to the Committee of Public Accounts. Given that we are an independent regulatory body, having KPIs that would make us answerable to the Department raises some questions. The independence of regulators, in particular in the broadcasting area, is a huge issue at a European level because governments in certain countries - not this one - seek to interfere with their broadcasting sectors. Given the power of broadcasting, it is still a very powerful medium, despite certain developments. We have an agreement in place to have quarterly meetings at which we agree and send the Department all our strategic objectives and deliverables. We give the Department copies of our accounts and all the statutory requirements we have, but we do not formally answer to the Department. I think that was the issue and I think we are similar to other regulatory bodies that have the kind of independence we have. That was a long way of answering the question.

The children's code is due for review. This will be carried out probably towards the end of this year. We have just completed the general code, we are to review the access rules and we did the short news reporting code, the one they all liked. The children's code, which was very controversial five years ago, will no doubt be the same, particularly in respect of the issue of diet and nutrition. Ms Comey was involved in this five years ago. Does she wish to say anything about it?