Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Is that agreed? Agreed.

Petition No. 00024/13 from Mr. Kevin Sharkey relates to recruitment policy at RTE. The petitioner is of the opinion that there is a policy within RTE to the effect that the station should only employ white people. The committee previously considered this petition at its meeting on 11 December 2013 and agreed to write to RTE seeking a response to the issues raised. RTE robustly refuted the petitioner's assertion. It informed the committee that it was subject to the Employment Equality Act 1998 and was an equal opportunities employer. In seeking the most qualified staff for a particular role, race, gender and physical abilities are not factors. RTE employs approximately 100 foreign nationals from various countries across the world in its many business areas. These staff are hired and contracted based on compliance with the specific requirements of different roles.

The committee has deliberated on this petition and wishes to defer the matter for further consideration at a meeting in the near future. Is that agreed? Agreed.