Michael Colreavy (Sligo-North Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
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I thank the witnesses. In case no one else says it, RTE does a good job and it is right to be proud of it. This democracy needs a well-functioning public service in television and radio. RTE has learned from the well-publicised hiccups and is working on them.

First, the main issue is the challenging financial situation for RTE and all media and broadcasters. Did I pick the witnesses up correctly about a net deficit in 2012 of €60 million, largely due to restructuring? That restructuring has been impressive and, in respect of the highest earners in particular, necessary. People use the term "low-hanging fruit". As I suspect that fruit is gone, any future reduction in financial support will have a proportionately greater impact on RTE's ability to produce programmes. Assuming that advertising revenue will not increase in the next two to three years, does RTE anticipate an increase in public funding when the proposed broadcasting charge is introduced? Is RTE in the same position as hospitals, local government and so on, in that there will be reductions in the public service element of its budget in the next three to five years? As opposed to the sustainability plan, what is the survivability plan?

Second, RTE possesses detailed guidelines on impartiality and fairness in the coverage of news, politics and current affairs, but I am unsure how adherence to them is monitored or implemented. I have in mind the coverage of politicians' statements and the Joint Committee on Health and Children's current hearings. Every time certain politicians appear on a news or current affairs programme, the ensuing discussion is not on their policies, but on their backgrounds. Some politicians in senior Government positions have equally interesting backgrounds, yet these are never mentioned. How are the guidelines on impartiality and fairness in news and current affairs monitored and implemented?

Much of my third question on regional studios has already been answered. Dundalk has been discussed in detail. To be parochial, what is the situation in Sligo?

Fourth, it has been mentioned that RTE has proposed projects to support the 20-year strategy for the Irish language. Will our guests provide further detail on those projects?