Following the significant revelations revealed by Ireland’s national broadcaster, RTÉ, late last week, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin T.D. has released a statement announcing plans for an external independent review into governance and culture at RTÉ.
The minister outlined that a meeting occurred between herself and the RTÉ Chair, Siún Ní Raghallaigh to discuss the very serious matters on Saturday, which were set out by RTÉ in its recent statements.
“At the meeting, I reiterated to the Chair that what has transpired is shocking, and as evidenced by media coverage and public comment over the past number of days, it has caused untold damage to RTE’s reputation and to public service broadcasting more generally,” the Minister’s statement read.
“I impressed upon the Chair that re-building trust and confidence is now paramount. This means ensuring complete transparency and clarity not only in terms of what has happened but also on how matters are dealt with in future. I expect that the Board of RTÉ will address these governance failings with thoroughness and urgency.”
“The Chair has provided me with greater clarity around the process which the Board has undertaken and the next steps, and I understand the external review commissioned by RTE to review the remuneration of the top 10 most highly paid presenters will be concluded within two weeks.”
“However, notwithstanding today’s meeting, this week’s revelations signal potential deeper challenges in the organisation. I have therefore decided there needs to be an external review of governance and culture at RTÉ. The purpose of this review will be to determine what fundamental or systemic issues need to be addressed, including the adequacy of internal controls.”
“While as Minister I cannot get involved in the day-to-day operation of RTÉ, I do need assurance that the governance and culture is fit for purpose.”
“Public trust in RTE must be rebuilt. Therefore, a Government decision on the future funding model for public service broadcasting has been paused until such time as this review is complete and the findings considered.”
“My officials will develop Terms of Reference in this regard over the coming week, and I will expect the full co-operation of the RTÉ Board and senior executives in engaging with this review and in engaging with Oireachtas Committees in the coming period.”
