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

We in Labour are also looking for time this week to debate the situation in RTÉ in light of the leaked report on job losses. Indeed, our thoughts are with all those workers in RTÉ who have learnt that one in five of them, some 400 workers, may see their jobs cut as part of these proposed cuts. I echo the words of the RTÉ trade union group and the National Union of Journalists, NUJ, in saying that the leak and the plans are a breach of trust. When the legacy of the Government is written, will it be the total gutting of RTÉ? That is what we are looking at. It would be appropriate for us to have a debate in this House as to what the future is for RTÉ, the Government's plans, and what it proposes to do to save our national broadcaster to ensure we have a public service broadcaster. It is so important we see that. That debate should also encompass the issue of workers' rights. This is not just for those facing redundancy in RTÉ. Those who remain on bogus self-employment contracts in RTÉ also deserve some clarity on their future.

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