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

As I have stated on many occasions, the Oireachtas is right to expect maximum transparency. The director general pledged to cooperate at the end of that particular meeting with requests in relation to that. He has cooperated with other queries from the Oireachtas and has given a significant amount of documentation.

While RTÉ has provided certain details, on GDPR grounds it has stated that it is not possible to share certain information. I understand that the committee is frustrated with this and is anxious to have full transparency and clarity. That will help in the rebuilding of trust.

Last week, Mr. Bakhurst said that he had to have regard to legal advice and I believe we should await his response in this regard. In relation to that note specifically, my officials followed up after the meeting of the Committee of Public Accounts. I understand that the director general is seeking to arrive at a solution now, which I welcome, that will be acceptable to the committee. There is an effort underway and that is key.

I am aware that there have been other documents which RTÉ was not in a position to share for reasons of GDPR but I suppose it has to uphold the law in this regard about the rights of individuals. In relation to that note specifically, he said towards the end of the meeting that he would try to find a way and my understanding from follow-up from my Department is that he is really trying to seek a solution.

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