David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It might be helpful if a detailed note could be forwarded to the committee on the precise nature of the relationship with the Department and the oversight models that are in place. The briefing document that was provided refers to "over and above" the statutory requirements. Perhaps we could be given a detailed note on what they are. The document also says that in the interest of working to best practice standards, RTÉ has also been the subject of external assessment sought on a voluntary basis. What type of external assessment? Perhaps a detailed note could be provided. That would be helpful.

I wish to move to the employment issues and to put a question to Ms Forbes. The 2016 annual report is very good and extensive and I congratulate RTÉ on that. The report was very helpful in preparing for this meeting. It is stated on page 14 that, 31 December 2016, there were 1,984 employees, of whom 278 were part-time casual. The full-time equivalent head count at 31 December 2016 was 1,834. Does Ms Forbes see that?