Government review of undisclosed RTÉ payments must happen quickly – Carrigy

The external Government review of governance and culture at RTÉ must happen quickly to ensure full accountability and transparency, according to Fine Gael Senator Micheàl Carrigy.

Senator Carrigy, a member of the Oireachtas media committee, said: “Revelations about undisclosed payments to Ryan Tubridy have caused outrage amongst the public and to the vast majority of hardworking staff at RTÉ who had no prior knowledge about this deal before it came to light last week.

“Public trust in RTÉ has been shattered and for that reason, the Media Minister Catherine Martin, has ordered an external review to consider issues that need to be addressed.

“This review must happen in an expeditious manner with clear terms of reference and ultimately, full co-operation from the RTÉ Board and senior executives, including those with who presided over the deal at the centre of this controversy.

“RTÉ today also confirmed that its Board and executive will be attending the Oireachtas Media Committee and Public Accounts Committee this week.

“There appears to have been a serious breach of oversight here, and as each day unfolds there is a growing list of questions about internal financial practices and the use of certain accounts at the broadcaster.

“That is why it is imperative that Montrose staff, including those past and present, must attend both committees to give a truthful and detailed account of the events which led to this sorry state of affairs.

“I would call on Minister Martin to use all influence available to her to encourage those staff to come forward to answer questions this week in the public interest.

“Citing commercially sensitive information and confidentiality as reasons for not disclosing the facts behind this deal simply won’t wash with the public or employees at RTÉ who do sterling work in reporting the news and produce excellent programming.”