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

Gabhaim buíochas leis na Teachtaí as a gcuid ráiteas tráthnóna inniu. Léiríonn an suaitheadh a cuireadh in iúl agus an díospóireacht fhorleathan ar an ábhar seo le coicís anuas, lena n-áirítear sa Teach inniu, an leibhéal imní agus go deimhin, feirge, atá ar dhaoine faoi na teipeanna i rialachas agus i gcultúr RTÉ a chuir ar chumas na rudaí seo tarlú.

I thank the Deputies for their statements this afternoon. The shock expressed and the widespread debate on this matter over the past two weeks, including in the House today, illustrate the level of concern and anger at the failings in RTÉ's governance and culture that have enabled this matter to occur.

Today’s debate further illustrates the central and critical role public service broadcasting plays in the life and well-being of our country and our people. Public service broadcasting, at its best, provides programming that reflects the rich cultural diversity of Ireland. It informs, educates and entertains. It creates space for dialogue and fosters discussion and debate.

Since its inception in 1960, RTÉ has been the central plank of public service broadcasting in Ireland and has maintained a valued position in our society. We tune in to RTÉ for news, analysis, sports, culture and entertainment. In the 2023 Reuters Institute Digital News Report for Ireland, which is part funded by the media regulator, Coimisíún na Meán, RTÉ News was identified as the most trusted source of news in Ireland based on surveys of the public.

This has been demonstrated by how RTÉ journalists, as well as other media outlets, have reported on this current issue. They have done so with diligence and impartiality. In this regard, I am keenly aware of the damage that has been inflicted by this matter on the reputation of RTÉ and that trusted relationship with the public. This is equally reflected in the sense of anger and betrayal felt by the dedicated and hardworking staff across the range of functions in RTÉ whose professionalism, experience and skills are vital to the operation of RTÉ. It is for all these reasons that I am commissioning an independent examination into RTÉ.

With regard to Deputy Connolly’s question, the timeline is referenced and included in the press release issued today. If the Deputy wants, I can go through it briefly with her. I will be doing a procurement process because I feel it is very important that we have the right governance over this process. For the forensic accountant, that process will be slightly faster than for the independent examination and it will be initiated this week. I expect to have that forensic accountant in place by the end of July or early August. The two-pronged, root-and-branch independent examination will take slightly longer. Again, I will initiate the procurement process this week but, realistically, I do not think it will be in place until the end of August or early September. That is why I will have the forensic accountant in place first; it is because that process is faster. I will ask the accountant to look at the barter account and any other off-balance accounts.

I set out the terms of reference for the two reviews that will comprise the overall examination earlier in my opening statement to the House. Those are also included in the press release from the Department. The first review will examine the governance structures and the organisational culture in RTÉ, which Deputy Ó Cathasaigh queried. The second review will examine contractor fees, the engagement of presenters, the use of agents HR and other matters in RTÉ. I will, if necessary, extend the terms of reference of the reviews to take account of any further emerging issues, including any arising from deliberations of Oireachtas committees or the further Grant Thornton reports. I will also, as I have said, invoke my powers under section 109 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 to appoint a forensic accountant to assist in the work of the reviews.

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