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

I thank the Deputies for the amendment. The amendment would introduce obligations regarding the rates of pay of RTÉ employees. Mar a dúirt mé cheana, tá sé fíorthábhachtach go mbeadh cothromaíocht ann idir an Ghaeilge agus an Béarla. Bheadh imní orm faoi aon difríocht pá a bhaineann go hiomlán leis an teanga ina ndéanann duine a chuid oibre. Parity of esteem between Irish and English is vital. I share concerns about any disparity in pay being purely related to the language through which someone conducts their work. RTÉ is undertaking a root-and-branch review of grading structures and examining all roles in the organisation, including Raidió na Gaeltachta. The Deputies are aware I have written to RTÉ asking it to address the concerns of the members of the committee and set out exactly how the process will address pay disparity. The independence of RTÉ, however, in operational matters is already provided for in legislation and I am advised it is not appropriate to introduce legislative provisions in this regard.

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