State broadcaster RTÉ says it will no longer produce TV programmes for children and young people.
It says due to a "challenging financial environment" it will begin outsourcing all such content.
In a statement, it says the decision follows an examination of all output - and is to "achieve stronger efficiencies and value for money".
The move means all young people's programmes on RTÉjr and on RTÉ 2 will be commissioned from the independent sector.
Bosco was one of the most popular children's shows on RTÉ | Image: RollingNews.ie
The broadcaster says it is not reducing its commitment to young people's programmes, or reducing spend.
It says its output for young people has traditionally been made up of a range of in-house programmes, independently produced programmes and animations.
It is believed that all staff will be reassigned to different departments within the broadcaster.
While freelance workers will be free to work for the external production companies.
Dustin The Turkey, who got his big break on 'The Den', said it was a 'sad day'.
A sad day. https://t.co/zsEYtVpYH3
— Dustin The Turkey (@DustinOfficial) November 23, 2016
