Ms Dee Forbes:

Regarding the system, it has been said for many years, and this was also stated in a report published by the Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment in 2017, that the current system is just not fit for purpose. It needs major reform, rather than just an improved database. We have gone beyond the point of going down particular paths in that regard. This situation requires major reform in respect of the collection method, as well as consideration of the way in which people are now viewing television programmes. The last time I was before the committee, we spoke about people in households without televisions watching or listening to RTÉ through our online player. The Broadcasting Act 2009 states that is okay. The ways and means of viewing and listening that exist have changed this whole context, so the entire system of collection and the Broadcasting Act 2009 need to be reformed. That is the important point that must be examined. It has been said for many years by many people. We await the outcome of the Future of Media Commission report to see what its recommendations will be and where we will go from there.