Mr. Adrian Lynch:

I state, at the outset, that we are here to answer the committee's questions to the best of our ability. I am acutely aware of the accusations of drip-feed, of non-co-operation and lack of transparency. We fully respect and understand this public concern, our staff’s concern, and the focus on accountability from the Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas.

I apologise that, despite our best efforts, it was not possible to circulate many of the documents requested until late last night. Since the committee’s list of requests was issued last Friday, staff across the organisation have been working over past days to try to address this extensive list of queries raised by the committee, along with the additional 31 queries from the Committee of Public Accounts. Several of the issues being explored extend back some years and required additional verification. Other matters have legal implications, and external legal counsel advice is being sought as required. All of this is being done with the intention that we provide as much information as possible, and as early as possible. We remain mindful of the responsibilities of publishing this information, and we are treating the many complex issues arising from this investigation with due respect.

We also put on record to the members of this committee our profound regret, as an executive board, that the standards of governance on a number of issues was far lower than required. We extend our apology to the public, to our staff, stakeholders and partners, and to you as public representatives that our standards of transparency and professionalism fell short of what is rightly expected of us. RTÉ is comprised of extremely hard-working, talented and capable people. The current crisis is in no way a reflection of their work, or the high levels of integrity with which they operate. A public service media that does not enjoy public trust and confidence is missing its core purpose. RTÉ has been a valued organisation in Irish life. It provides a critical role in informing democracy, supporting the arts and our creative and production sectors, providing content for children on radio, television and online, for almost 100 years.

I also welcome the Minister's reviews into RTÉ.