Ms Dee Forbes:

In terms of decisions, a lot of complex things had to be considered. The strategy had to address a very complex set of challenges ultimately. We did not start from scratch because we had in place the original strategy recommended by the BAI a number of years ago. As Ms O'Keeffe said, we reduced our operating costs by 25% over many years so there was not much low-hanging fruit left. All of the decisions we are taking now are, therefore, difficult in the sense that they affect the public and staff. Nobody likes to go there but, unfortunately, that is where we are at. In making all our choices, we rooted everything in two overarching principles. The first was whether we can protect and enhance programming for the public and provide good public value, while the second was whether we can protect and sustain jobs. They were the two big pillars that we considered and, within that, we had to make many choices and decisions.

On the rent and so on in Limerick, the rent for our current premises is higher at this point than the figure mentioned by the Senator. We had some discussions with the University of Limerick. Before we renewed the arrangement the last time, we had some good engagement with UL but when everything was considered, our current location was deemed preferable at that point. The Senator is right that we have had a number of approaches since. All those matters are being considered but, again, the staff is the first port of call. That will start on Friday.