Yesterday, members of the Joint Committee on Transport and Communications, of which I am one, travelled to RTE at its invitation to see at first hand the work being done in various departments within the station. One of the most enlightening and informative aspects of the visit was the newly developed digital department which is now relaying programmes on RTE Player and iPhones and tablets, not only in this country but among the Irish Diaspora. There is a strong response from the Diaspora to the service being provided.

I accept to some extent the critique of RTE by Senator Mullins. I would be the last to defend some of the large salaries being paid but one must keep in mind that RTE is a national broadcaster that is competing with some of the largest multinational media organisations, in particular the Murdoch organisation. Great credit is due to RTE and those involved in the production of programmes. People vote with their feet both in television and radio, as they do in politics, and the top ten programmes consistently come out of RTE. I suggest a note of caution to Senator Mullins, through the Chair, on his critique of RTE and his call for a reduction in the licence fee on which it depends to a great extent because of the downturn in economic activity and, consequently, a reduction in advertising revenue. One of the areas we visited yesterday was the “Fair City” set. I discovered that more than 300 actors are employed by RTE at one level or another ranging from speaking parts to non-speaking parts, from major parts to ones of lesser importance. Currently, of 1,500 members of Irish Equity, almost 1,000 are out of work. When one considers that RTE employs 300 actors, it puts in perspective how important it is not only as a producer of television and radio programmes and digital output but also as a major employer. I caution that when one is being critical of RTE - it has been a favourite sport for decades to toss RTE around, so to speak - to recall that it provides not only a valuable public service to radio and television but it also provides meaningful employment. One should be cautious in suggesting its income should in any way be restricted.

That is not to say that the work of local radio stations is not to be encouraged. I declare an interest in that I present a programme on local radio and I know how difficult it is for the local radio sector currently because, like RTE on a micro level, it has to engage with local suppliers and finds it very difficult to raise advertising revenue. We must nurture and encourage all sectors of the media in this country but I would be cautious in my approach. While being critical of RTE and unwilling to defend the salaries, which relative to the wider economy are extraordinarily high, at the same time there is another story within RTE that needs to be aired on occasion.

Following on from Senator Mooney, what amazed me about the figures for RTE is how some among the top ten earners in RTE work every day for the same money as others who have only one show a week, amounting to less than 30 shows. I am perplexed at how those numbers are arrived at and I would welcome a debate with the Minister who could provide a more in-depth analysis.

I wish to raise the issue of the Garda in the context of the Personal Insolvency Act. Most people are aware that a member of An Garda Síochána is disallowed from being declared bankrupt. I have not been able to ascertain whether a member of An Garda Síochána is entitled to avail of the Personal Insolvency Act. It is a legitimate question in that when someone is declared bankrupt, his or her assets and liabilities are analysed and dispersed according to the court assignee. In effect, that is what is happening in line with the Personal Insolvency Act by agreement with the banks. I do not know whether the Garda is excluded from the legislation. If it is excluded, a change must be made to allow it to be included as a matter of urgency. The omission could have slipped through undetected by me and everyone else. It is a real concern.

The anger I have witnessed from members of An Garda Síochána relates to younger members who have bought expensive houses at the height of the property market. Those members of the force are stuck in the same downward spiral as many others but, to my knowledge, everyone else will be allowed to avail of the Personal Insolvency Act and I do know whether members of the Garda have recourse to it. I ask that the issue be brought to the attention of the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Shatter, for immediate clarification.