Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Okay. That concludes our questioning. I know there have been some robust exchanges back and forward. Before we conclude, I wish to state that nobody was questioning the professional integrity or the professionalism of the legal services at RTÉ. There is a difference of opinion. At the start of the meeting, I said that I and other members have disagreed with RTÉ's decision not to release the note dated 7 May 2020. I ask the witnesses to reflect on that. I think there is a credibility issue with it. I do not want to reopen an argument over it but for me, there is a big credibility issue in terms of the reasons given for the decision. In one of the last exchanges Ms Mullooly said that it is a point of principle. I am quoting directly what she said. She referred to a point of principle. There is a point of credibility here for RTÉ overall. This should not be allowed in terms of the significant changes that are happening and the further changes to come. I know there is a myriad of examinations and investigations that are yet to conclude. It is daunting, to say the least, looking at it. That one issue should not be allowed to cloud everything else. In the interest of transparency, the legal team and the management should look at that decision again. I am asking them not to close the door on it. I think it would be helpful from RTÉ's point of view and to us in the Oireachtas because the Government will have to sign a cheque here. That should be borne in mind. I say that in a constructive way.

I thank the witnesses and staff at RTÉ and those in the Department under Ms Licken for the work involved in preparing for today's meeting. I also thank Ms Colette Drinan and the staff of the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General for attending and assisting the committee today.

Is it agreed that the clerk will seek any follow-up information and carry out any agreed actions arising from today's meeting? Agreed. Is it also agreed that we note and publish the opening statements and briefings for today's meeting? Agreed.

I wish RTÉ well with its work. It is full steam ahead with it. We will resume in public session at 2 p.m. to deal with correspondence and other committee business. Go raibh míle maith agaibh.