Rónán Mullen (Independent)

I accept that there is always a degree of subjectivity regarding these issues but believe the answer given is the standard defensive boilerplate answer that RTÉ has been giving for years. Let me give one example. Today there was a discussion on Claire Byrne’s programme about an often-ventilated issue, namely the need for daycare and childcare in this country, yet the perspective that probably influenced last year’s referendum result to some degree is not covered. A survey quoted by David Quinn suggests 69% of mothers, if they had a choice and were not under financial pressure, would prefer to be stay-at-home mothers. That point of view, whether one agrees with it or not, is an example of one that is “lesser spotted” or less often heard, to say the least, on RTÉ. I am not aware of a single change of direction or desire to consider last year’s referendum results, what they suggested and whether there was an unreflected discourse in the country that RTÉ, as a public service broadcaster, would have a responsibility to cover. I believe it is a question of social conservatism versus progressivism.

When I talk to people about what the solution is, they say it could lie in RTÉ being taken away from the less oxygenated Dublin 4 and located out the country a bit more. Some say it may be a question of divvying out the money a little more widely to the benefit of organisations such as Newstalk, which I believe give more diverse, pungent social viewpoints an airing. Alternatively, maybe it is a question of legislation. Ms McCarthy mentioned RTÉ’s obligations but I do not see the point in repeating mantra-like one’s legal obligations if there is no sense of what I am alluding to among a significant cohort. We should remember that if a significant number of people have issues with the way RTÉ preaches to the nation, that is RTÉ’s problem. It is a problem it has to address, particularly if it wants ongoing public support. My sense is that RTÉ is tone deaf on this particular issue.