Micheál Carrigy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

First, I will question Mr. Lynch. I asked the questions in respect of Toy Show The Musicalat a meeting held on 18 January 2023, when we were discussing the future of media, which Senator Cassells raised there. Ironically, Mr. Lynch is sitting in the same seat as he did on that day. I wanted to know RTÉ's views, as an organisation, on where the decision came from, on how much it had invested in it, on whether the project would lose money and on what the future plans were. I asked that of both Mr. Lynch and Mr. Coveney. We got a lot of information but not many figures to highlight the seriousness of the situation. Mr. Lynch never made any comment at all while Mr. Coveney spoke about the project being three years in gestation. The idea spent three years in the background in RTÉ but no one seemed to think that was an issue in an organisation of its size. There are serious concerns about the audit and risk in that regard. There were plans for 2023 and RTÉ was proud of the project. That was at an Oireachtas committee. Why did Mr. Lynch make no comment on those replies or when the question was put by members of this committee, who represent the taxpayer, and when concerns were highlighted about the show? Questions were asked about costs, losses, etc., but no comment was made. It was mentioned that a report would be sent to the Committee of Public Accounts in the minutes of the meeting but I do not think that seemed to highlight the existing serious issues. It was only when this matter came back here in the middle of last year for discussion that these matters came to light. Why was no comment made by either Mr. Lynch or Mr. Coveney? Mr. Coveney is not here to reply today but Mr. Lynch is. Why were concerns not highlighted to this Oireachtas committee?