Ms Katherine Licken:

That is a matter for the board of RTÉ in the first instance. The separation of powers is very important there, in terms of RTÉ being independent. It is set out in statute that the organisation is independent in the pursuit of its objectives. That is important because it is public service media and public service media influences everything and is a key pillar of democracy. Therefore, that is a matter for the board in the first instance.

Eversheds recognised that RTÉ has a requirement to keep content fresh and audiences engaged and, therefore, it requires the use of freelancers and contractors to supplement the staff for short peak periods. It is not a typical organisation in that respect and that is partly why this issue arose.