Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour) | Oireachtas source

In other words, the quid pro quo does not cut it. Most of my questions have been asked but I was very taken by the three-year review, on which I have a query. Things move so fast that broadcasters might have to be more dynamic. That is one thing.

The second point relates to additionality. It has come up in this committee all the time. After the levy, additionality is the issue that comes up the most. I think Senator Ahearn asked a question on it. "The Tonight Show" is an example. It is the most obvious, open and straightforward example of something that has been withdrawn or shortened but could be brought back and will probably qualify. We are not clear as a committee as to what the rules are and we have gone through this legislation upside down and inside out. We are not clear with regard to what additionality is. We are not clear on whether, if something is taken away, it can be added back or must be started again and where the cut-off lines are. This show is probably the greatest example for the committee as a line because it is a well-known show that went from four nights a week to two nights a week. I know; I was on it a few times.

I have a simple question for the Department, which will be watching this as it watches everything, and the Minister, who will be reported to. If "The Tonight Show" returns to four days or three nights a week, will it qualify? Is that an example? It is obvious from what the witnesses have said today that they cannot produce the same level of content into the future as they did in the past. This is an example of where we need to go. Does anyone have any observations on that point or on my point regarding the three-year review before I move on?