Ms Dee Forbes:

The Deputy is absolutely right. The market is local. What I am saying is that it is a feature of the overall media market that the talent are paid various rates above normal salaries in other broadcasters. The important thing to note here is that these people fulfil a particular role and they have a particular skill set. They fulfil a public service remit and, I suppose, a commercial role for us which attracts advertisers etc.. Having said that, I appreciate that this causes concern among the population and the members of the committee. Since 2008, however, those salaries have reduced by 30%. In 2019, we committed to those salaries reducing by a further 15%. Our annual report for 2020 is not out yet, but when it is available it will be evident that the top talent group has been reduced by a further 15%. I am very conscious of this aspect, as is RTÉ as an organisation.

However, we must also recognise that these people play a very important role for us as a broadcaster, commercially and in doing their job. It is something we are keeping under constant review. I hope the Deputy sees and hears our presenters every day and what we ask them to do. It is not that simple to put together a two-hour show or to be on camera for two hours. Here we are and it is hard enough for one hour. These presenters are skilled and they have a particular set of skills. Having said that, however, the reductions have come about, namely, of 30% since 2008 and a further 15% last year.