Ms Breda O'Keeffe:

It is very difficult to do so. In any organisation there are cuts to be made. However, it is clear from what NewERA stated in its very extensive report on efficiency levels at RTÉ in 2014 and 2015 which found that we were above the norm in the levels of cuts made that there were very few further cuts that could have been made. In its recent report the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland has confirmed that was the case. The answer to the question as to whether the cuts were sustainable is no. That is why the cost base is 24% lower than it was in 2008. We have restored pay levels for our staff who had borne the cost for several years. There is a significant level of inflation, as the director general noted, since to make good content, one must spend money. Our competitors are doing so and to make high quality programming, one must spend money and invest.