Cabinet May Meet Virtually To Discuss RTÉ External Inquiry

Friday, 30 June 2023 09:33

It follows a grilling of RTÉ officials from the Public Accounts Commitee.

Government Ministers may convene online for a cabinet meeting today, if the terms of reference for the external inquiry into governance at RTE are ready.

It follows the national broadcaster's appearance before the Public Accounts Committee, chaired by Laois Offaly Sinn Féin TD Brian Stanley, which heard of high expenses to send clients to major events.

It included €111,000 was spent on tickets and travel to the Rugby World Cup in Japan, and a further €26,000 on the Champions League final in Madrid.

The committee meeting was sparked by the revelations of undeclared payments to Ryan Tubridy.

Senator Ronan Mullen believes salary's at RTE should be capped:

The Taoiseach has said evidence at the Public Accounts Committee by RTÉ yesterday has raised questions about company law being followed.

The broadcaster's Chief Financial Officer Richard Collins said in his view the public may have been defrauded by secret payments to Ryan Tubridy.

He also told the Committee the former Director General informed him the payments were consultancy fees for Ryan Tubridy's agent - rather than direct payments.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar was asked in Brussels whether there's a case for the gardaí to investigate here:

The Chair of the Public Accounts Committee says it's time for a 'complete overhaul' of management at RTÉ.

PAC Chair and Laois Offaly Sinn Féin TD Brian Stanley says the use of 'slush funds' has to stop:

The Chair of the National Union of Journalists sub-branch at RTÉ has said heads will roll over the controversy at the broadcaster.

The Oireachtas Media Committee has confirmed it will seek to invite more guests in, including Ryan Tubridy and his agent Noel Kelly.

Chair of the RTÉ NUJ sub-branch, Trevor Keegan, says staff do not have confidence in the Executive Board:

The Chair of the RTÉ board has said the labeling of payments to Ryan Tubridy in filings were "an act designed to deceive".

Executives from the State broadcaster are currently being questions by the Public Accounts Committee.https://t.co/Pi5lSCCMTv
— Midlands103 (@Midlands103) June 29, 2023