David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

There is good news from RTÉ. Obviously, there was an ask from the political system in terms of the licence fee. Most of it is not within the committee’s remit, but obviously the issue of value for money is. As the committee produces periodic reports, we will be reporting back on issues which arise from this hearing.

I am precious about the editorial independence of the national broadcaster which I fully respect and support. Like other members, I have a huge interest in public service and public broadcasting. Accordingly, editorial independence is important to me. However, so too is impartiality, most certainly political impartiality. How is it policed? Is it policed internally or externally to ensure there is no political bias, or any other bias for that matter, on RTÉ programmes?