Mr. Noel Curran:

With regard to funding, we specifically did not insert a figure in the five-year strategy because the matter is unclear. The Minister has made it clear that there will be no individual increase imposed on households. We are not clear about how the new charge will be collected, who will collect it and whether there will be a business charge element. We therefore found it hard to make a calculation. Figures have appeared that range between €18 million and €20 million. When we see the final details for how the scheme will operate, who will collect it and the charges imposed then we will be in a much better position to supply a figure. We decided to hold back rather than put out a figure that is pulled out of anywhere.

We have tried to highlight the areas. We have said to the public that if this measure is introduced and there is additional funding then we will concentrate our investment on things that we provide uniquely. We have outlined some of these. I refer to the news channel, investigative programming and drama which are things that the market finds difficult to produce because of the costs involved. We are also looking at technology and Saorview. It was important for us to say the following to people in terms of entering this debate.

We have known for a couple of years that the debate around the broadcasting charge was on the cards. We took a conscious decision not to go into that debate saying that RTE needed more money because it is broke. RTE needs more money because it cannot survive. We took the actions outlined to show we are as efficient as possible. We are also saying that we face decline because of international competitive pressures. What we are saying to the public is that any additional funding will as much as possible be invested in programming, particularly programming the public cannot get elsewhere.

In regard to the question on the independent sector, we have given a commitment that a minimum of 50% of any additional funding received by RTE will go to the independent sector. This is where the job issue arises. It also arises in terms of the protection of employment in an organisation that has lost 500 people over the last number of years. We are consciously trying to look outwards rather than inwards. We are consciously trying to meet our obligations around employment and the wider economy. This is the reason we committed for the first time to a minimum of 50% of additional funding being spent on the independent sector.

I will ask Mr. Bakhurst to respond to the questions regarding social media.