Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)

Are we getting value for money or could it be reapportioned to specific programming types within the broadcaster? To some extent, that is in the eye of the beholder. Deputy Ó Cuív may take the view that RTE does an immense job in public affairs, especially were it to recognise his inherent outstanding qualities, but were it to decide to apply the same to this side of the House he may believe it is not so great. We all react more or less like that. In particular, the broadcaster's coverage of public affairs is in the eye of the beholder.

I am keen to see the quality content of RTE being the focus of RTE all the time. I realise that in comparison with the broadcasters across the water RTE's budget is small. Nonetheless, it has produced quality output, although perhaps not enough of it. Some of the stuff imported from outside the jurisdiction is pretty terrible. Perhaps that is a subjective view. However, if one tunes in to any of the other channels one gets the same pap. I am unsure whether it does anything to raise the intelligence quotient in the country.

Regarding the inflated salaries aspect of Deputy Ó Cuív's question, the honest answer is that some of the moneys must, inevitably, go towards the remuneration of contract staff because they are all paid from the same purse. I do not disagree with Deputy Ó Cuív. Given the times we are in and that RTE is projecting a deficit at the end of the year in excess of €30 million, it would be appropriate to consider all levels of salary and remuneration packages in the corporation because it must survive in a more difficult climate. There has been a dramatic collapse in its commercial revenues in the past two years. I have discussed the financial provision of RTE with the management and sought assurances that quality will not suffer as a result.

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