RTÉ must disclose all exit packages in wake of wild €450K payment to former executive

Fine Gael TD Alan Dillon has asked RTÉ to disclose details of all exit packages in the wake of revelations about a €450,000 payment to its former Chief Financial Officer.

Deputy Dillon has written to the Clerk of the Oireachtas Media Committee, of which he is a member, to request information on all exit package payouts from the chair of the RTÉ Board, Siún Ní Raghallaigh.

Deputy Dillon said: “Yesterday’s development that RTÉ former Chief Financial Officer Breda O’Keefe received €450,000 as part of an exit package, that was not approved by the executive board has thrown up further questions about unacceptable practices at the broadcaster.

“Following yesterday’s committee hearing, I have requested information pertaining to all exit packages approved by RTÉ’s executive management since our investigation into these payments began in June.

“Our objective is to ensure that all exit packages comply with the protocols and procedures of exit schemes, and that they were executed according to proper HR protocols.

“We are requiring the amounts and identities of each individual who has resigned or received an exit package in 2023.

“It is unacceptable that the Committee should wait until these figures are disclosed in RTÉ’s annual financial report whenever it is published with the information anonymised.

“The new RTÉ Director General is seeking to build a new culture of transparency and accountability when it comes to governance and financial practices at the broadcaster.

“We learned that RTÉ, which is grappling with financial problems, will be liable for any potential tax bill on Ms O’Keefe’s payment.

“For the reasons outlined, I believe the information requested must be provided to the Committee as it is a matter of public interest.” Deputy Dillon concluded.