Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

.As I set out in my response to Deputy Munster on the issue of potential pay discrepancies between workers in Raidió na Gaeltachta and their English language counterparts, RTÉ is currently undertaking a wide-ranging review of its staff grading structure. I am advised that this process involves a root-and-branch evaluation of all staff roles and grades, including an assessment of the skills needs and requirements of the organisation. It is designed to enable RTÉ to devise a streamlined grading structure with fairness and transparency across all roles, including those in Raidió na Gaeltachta. The review is ongoing and I understand it is likely to conclude in June next year. Deputy Munster asked for clarification in that regard.

Tá sé ríthábhachtach domsa go dtugtar stádas comhionann don Ghaeilge i ngach réimse den saol, ach go háirithe i leith na craoltóireachta. Mar a dúirt mé cheana, tá ról ríthábhachtach aici i múnlú féiniúlacht agus chultúr na hÉireann. It is of critical importance to me that the Irish language is given equal status in all spheres of life, but particularly in respect of broadcasting, which serves such a crucial role in shaping Irish identity and culture. I would therefore share the Deputy's concerns with regard to ensuring there is no disparity in pay that is purely related to the language through which a person conducts his or her work. I am aware the Committee of Public Accounts has raised its concerns on this matter with RTÉ directly and that RTÉ has committed to providing an update to that committee in due course. As the Deputy will recall, the issue was also raised with me on Committee Stage of the Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill.

As I stated to the Deputy's colleague, issues relating to staffing and remuneration are operational matters for RTÉ and I am mindful of its statutory independence in these matters, as set out in the Broadcasting Act 2009. Nevertheless, my officials have engaged with RTÉ to seek further clarity on the matter and will continue to monitor the progress and outcome of the review process in the context of the Department's corporate governance oversight of RTÉ. Notwithstanding this, I consider it necessary and important for RTÉ to address comprehensively the concerns raised by the committee in respect of the pay of Irish language workers, and I have written to RTÉ asking that it respond to the joint committee in this regard.

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