RTÉ has been criticised for its decision to source all programming for children and young people from the independent sector rather than producing programmes in house.
Labour Senator Kevin Humphreys criticised the broadcaster during this morning's Order of Business in the Seanad, and questioned why RTÉ Director General Dee Forbes did not mention the plan when she appeared before the Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment earlier this week.
He said: "I think it is utterly unacceptable that the Director General was in front of the committee this week and made absolutely no mention that they would outsource children's television.
"I find it totally unacceptable that the DG should sit down in committee room 4, knowing this announcement is coming about and not to inform the committee."
Speaking on RTÉ’s Drivetime later, Mr Humphreys said he would like honest engagement from RTÉ, adding that he would like Ms Forbes to explain what her plans are for the public service.
Fianna Fáil Senator Terry Leyden also criticised RTÉ this afternoon, describing the plan to outsource children's programmes as a "retrograde step".
He said "children's programmes are very important", saying "they are highly regarded and the quality has been renowned".
"We go back to Wanderly Wagon, Bosco, The Den, Zig and Zag. Bosco actually created jobs in Roscommon where it was made.
"You can influence a nation through its children so if you take that influence away and outsource it to Britain or the USA to save money it is a poor reflection."
Mr Leyden was also critical of the Oireachtas Report programme for not covering all of the Oireachtas equally, saying it had ignored the Seanad.
In a statement tonight, RTÉ said it remains "committed to providing coverage of the Oireachtas as a key element of our public service remit.
"As part of ongoing reviews of our services, we are currently looking at the best ways of providing television and online coverage of the important work of the Oireachtas to the widest possible audience, particularly in the context of changing patterns of media consumption in Ireland."
Union calls for RTÉ to reverse decision
The RTÉ Trade Union Group, meanwhile, has called on the public broadcaster to withdraw its decision to outsource young people's programming.
In a statement, the TUG said it rejects "the proposition that this is a legitimate or necessary strategy" and described it as an attack on the fundamental principle of public service broadcasting.
TUG Chair Shirley Bradshaw, said: "RTÉ announced this decision last night. It came as a bolt out of the blue and was made without any consultation with trade unions.
"There is no justification for the manner in which this decision was taken and this cavalier attitude to unions and staff only compounds the bad decision."
RTÉ has said it made the decision in a challenging financial environment, but it said its not reducing its commitment to young people's programmes nor is it reducing the amount it spends on them.
Fifteen freelance workers will see their contracts end next month, eight RTÉ staff will remain in the young people's department and 11 staff members will be reassigned within the organisation.
