Ms Maggie Breathnach:

A documentary will not go on for seven years. A factual series commissioned by RTÉ is contract by contract. They will tell the creators they have it for this year. How can I tell a freelancer I have them next year when I am not guaranteed by the State broadcaster that I have the project for next year? I would be telling lies to my employee or my freelancer as I cannot guarantee it. I hear the Deputy. I would love to be in the position he is talking about and I would love to know that in An Rinn, I could keep 15 staff or 20 staff, whatever it is, on an ongoing basis. However, is that unfair to the next producer in County Longford or somewhere else who comes up with a better idea than me next year and perhaps a more economic way of doing it? Where does the industry then grow?

I hear the Deputy and I would love to be in a position to do that. Maybe film is slightly different. I am coming from a factual and arts-driven project-by-project viewpoint, which is what I work it. Being honest, I hear the Deputy. It is great and I want to be there, but if I cannot get guarantee of a programme from a State broadcaster that I will have it next year how can I give a guarantee to a freelancer that they are going to work next year? How can I give that guarantee when I do not have it myself?