I totally reject the phrase "party hacks". Because somebody happens to have a political viewpoint, whether they be supporters of Fine Gael, Labour or The Workers' Party, that should not debar them from membership of any organisation. It shows they are involved in their community and are prepared to work. That is not to suggest that the recently appointed RTE Authority or the Independent Radio and Television Commission comprise people with strong political views. On the contrary, I am very pleased with the warmth of the welcome outlined in the staff association magazine in RTE to the appointment of the chairman of the RTE Authority recently. I do not want to give individual names. I totally reject the suggestion that the RTE Authority and the IRTC have lost the confidence of the people. It has been generally accepted that the IRTC, under the chairmanship of former Supreme Court Justice Henchy, have been totally transparent in the operation of their mandate at the public hearings into each of the applications for the national licence and the county licences.
They have been seen to be doing an excellent job under the mandate given by these Houses. As regards the remaining members of the RTE Authority, the Government very much appreciate that people are prepared to take on the onerous task of serving.