Christopher O'Sullivan (Cork South West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses again for the opening statements. I want to help out the Chairman because they were looking for specifics on what he was alluding to with the Punch and Judy show and the fact that conflict gets ratings. An example I can give straight off is from during the setting of the emissions ceilings. This was not unique to RTÉ, it was through all broadcast and print media. Even though at 25% agriculture would have had the lowest emissions ceiling, the focus was on that 25% and how it was somehow going to lead to the demise of the agricultural sector. I am absolutely sure this will not be the case and agriculture will continue to flourish. However, the debate centred around that as opposed to the fact that for the first time ever Ireland had introduced significant emissions ceilings for all sectors. I am just backing up the point the Chair was making.

Referring to the opening presentation it is very notable that RTÉ's coverage of the climate crisis has improved drastically over the last number of years. The COP26 coverage from Scotland was very prominent. It was in all of the news bulletins whether the six o'clock news or otherwise. It was very prominent. This was encouraging to see and it was the first time I can recollect that happening. The witnesses mentioned the "Prime Time" specials. I also think "Hot Mess" has been fantastic both in terms of the depth it has gone into around the different aspects of the climate crisis, but also looking for solutions as well as at problems. They mentioned "Eco Eye" too. My first question is whether there is a demand for these types of programmes. What are the ratings like for these climate focused shows? Do they drop off? I remember speaking to a print journalist who said climate change did not sell papers. That was the comment. Is it the same for RTÉ? Is this being done because they feel a duty as a public service broadcaster to tell this story, or is there a ratings demand for these shows?

My second question relates to the twin issues of the biodiversity crisis. We have seen RTÉ broadcast some fantastic shows over the years. I am thinking of Ken O'Sullivan's "Ireland's Deep Atlantic," which was fantastic. "Wild Cities" and "Living the Wild Life" from Colin Stafford-Johnson are two others. All of these were made a couple of years ago. In the UK they really have the wildlife and nature broadcasting right. They have "Spring Watch," which airs about three times per year, alongside "Autumn Watch" and "Winter Watch." Do the witnesses think RTÉ can produce something similar and really reconnect the Irish public with wildlife and nature? Deputy Whitmore mentioned Éamon de Buitléar. Do we need that kind of wildlife, biodiversity and nature champion in Ireland again? Can RTÉ come up with a show to demonstrate that?