Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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I have a question for RTE. The scheme for supporting the arts is tremendous and gives people great national advertising for local initiatives. Is it measured regionally to see if everyone in the regions is getting an opportunity to be heard? Reference was made to the 3% independent commissioning budget on programmes for children. Is there any way for it to be increased?

At a previous hearing, we heard about music programming and the fact that our performers feel they do not get enough airtime on RTE. I met Phil Coulter last year and he said that if he was trying to get started now, he would not be able to have the success he enjoyed if he depended on radio stations to support him.

With regard to the Irish Film Board, it is interesting that it is open to the idea of Screen Ireland. It was raised earlier and I was not certain if the board's representatives were open to it.