Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Taoiseach for the response. He is right, of course. Members of the public are very hurt by this. We all hear this across our constituencies. However, the direct impact on those who work within RTÉ cannot be overestimated. We heard that yesterday from those who spoke out, who believe passionately, as we all do, in the importance of public service broadcasting. I thank the Taoiseach for pointing out that the Minister, Deputy Martin, will meet the trade union group today. That is welcome. However, I urge the Taoiseach and the Minister, Deputy Martin, to ensure the terms of the review include those issues I raised relating to workers' rights. It is essential. It is simply not enough for those employees who believe they may be on bogus contracts to themselves have to go to the Department about it. That is simply not a reality for those who feel vulnerable. Again, yesterday, at the NUJ protest, we heard from Trevor Keegan, a so-called "evershed" employee, one of those who had to fight tooth and nail for decent conditions. The Revenue Commissioners were on to him, telling him he was staff and that RTÉ should pay PRSI. It took years to resolve that issue. This is a serious issue. It contributes to the sense of betrayal felt by those within RTÉ. It also contributes to that sense of immense inequity that ten presenters might be so-called talent, rather than the vast bulk of the staff in RTÉ who are doing their best. I urge the Taoiseach to include workers' rights and give them priority within the terms of the review.

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