Mr. Bill Malone:

Senator Leyden referred to "Emmerdale" and Coronation Street". They are two very powerful audience draws for TV3. We have used them to maximise Irish content. Shows like "Gogglebox Ireland", "The Pat Kenny Show" and "Red Rock" are aired directly after those shows. We have large audiences for those programmes and follow them with Irish content. We use the best of international content to drive Irish viewers to the best of Irish content.

We have really upped our game in terms of quality output and, in particular, current affairs. The comings and goings of the Oireachtas, for example, are covered extensively in our current programming. We have exceeded targets for current affairs and have very ambitious plans to grow current affairs further. We are a commercial broadcaster. If there is an appetite for it, there will be one in TV3 as well.

Senator Dolan referred to audio description and sign language. Targets are set by the BAI and TV3 exceeds them. In terms of the coverage of disability, we operate an inclusive policy. Last week, for example, a significant portion of "The Pat Kenny Show" was given over to disability issues. Rather than have programmes which are specifically about disability, disability pops up regularly in throughout our shows and on current affairs shows in particular.