Results 2,021-2,040 of 20,725 for speaker:Mattie McGrath

Culling the National Herd: Motion (Resumed) [Private Members] (28 Jun 2023)

Mattie McGrath: The Deputy was starving.

Culling the National Herd: Motion (Resumed) [Private Members] (28 Jun 2023)

Mattie McGrath: What about cattle culling?

Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport And Media: Transparency of RTÉ Expenditure of Public Funds and Governance Issues: Discussion (28 Jun 2023)

Mattie McGrath: I welcome our guests. As we know, the scandal involving defective payments, Dee Forbes and Ryan Tubridy is at the centre of grave concerns of the staff, management and the public. I have a few questions. RTÉ has stated that a disciplinary process is ongoing. Why did RTÉ accept Ms Forbes's resignation when it knew it would be "curtains" as regards her appearing before the...

Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport And Media: Transparency of RTÉ Expenditure of Public Funds and Governance Issues: Discussion (28 Jun 2023)

Mattie McGrath: The board could have refused it as RTÉ was in the middle of a process. In fact the process had barely started. RTÉ had employed outside agents to oversee that process. How much did they cost and of what value are they if this is what happened? The cord was cut.

Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport And Media: Transparency of RTÉ Expenditure of Public Funds and Governance Issues: Discussion (28 Jun 2023)

Mattie McGrath: That was another disastrous decision. How will we get any answers? It seems as though there was some ready-up and she exited with all the evidence. This is shocking. That is why I called for a Garda investigation. It will be needed at the outcome, with no disrespect to any of the witnesses. That is what is needed because the public have lost all respect. In fairness, 50:50:20 was...

Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport And Media: Transparency of RTÉ Expenditure of Public Funds and Governance Issues: Discussion (28 Jun 2023)

Mattie McGrath: I did not say that. I said we need a Garda investigation.

Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport And Media: Transparency of RTÉ Expenditure of Public Funds and Governance Issues: Discussion (28 Jun 2023)

Mattie McGrath: Taxpayers' money has gone astray. Why are we here? Please. The Chair did not interrupt anyone else. I did not accuse anyone. I am asking for the fraud squad to investigate. I did so yesterday and I will continue to ask because we will not get the answers here today. Deputy Mattie McGrath: Taxpayers' money has gone astray. Why are we here? Please. The Chair did not interrupt...

Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport And Media: Transparency of RTÉ Expenditure of Public Funds and Governance Issues: Discussion (28 Jun 2023)

Mattie McGrath: Whoever wants to.

Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport And Media: Transparency of RTÉ Expenditure of Public Funds and Governance Issues: Discussion (28 Jun 2023)

Mattie McGrath: Who is RTÉ loyal to? It is quite simple

Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport And Media: Transparency of RTÉ Expenditure of Public Funds and Governance Issues: Discussion (28 Jun 2023)

Mattie McGrath: The board has allowed this scenario to happen. In racing parlance, Dee Forbes is out under the traps and gone. She is gone with the wind to play. It is shocking to expect us to listen to this. The board was not able to answer why it accepted her resignation. I am an employer. I understand how difficult situations can be as regards disciplinary proceedings, but you do not allow someone...

Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport And Media: Transparency of RTÉ Expenditure of Public Funds and Governance Issues: Discussion (28 Jun 2023)

Mattie McGrath: Is it taxpayers, the Government, people who pay the licence fee? I would love to see some of the people who are being prosecuted and threatened with imprisonment for not paying a licence fee get these kinds of chances, get sweet deals and have a 50:50:20 agreement. It is laughable. The board must come up with some answers please. Who was it loyal to? Who was it serving? RTÉ is the...

Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport And Media: Transparency of RTÉ Expenditure of Public Funds and Governance Issues: Discussion (28 Jun 2023)

Mattie McGrath: That does not deal with the culture. It is all grand now because RTÉ has been found out. The committee is trying to elicit answers through the Chair and we cannot get them. The public are aghast. When I go to RTÉ I am well treated by decent, ordinary people who are working hard late into the night and giving their service. It is unbelievable to see this. Putin would not get...

Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport And Media: Transparency of RTÉ Expenditure of Public Funds and Governance Issues: Discussion (28 Jun 2023)

Mattie McGrath: I am. This is a culture. She was forced to resign while male presenters were getting sweet deals to stay until 70. Court cases were mentioned that day. It cost the State a lot of taxpayers' money to defend the first case in which RTÉ was found against for discriminating against females and RTÉ lectures us day and night about equality. That happened under the watch of some of...

Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport And Media: Transparency of RTÉ Expenditure of Public Funds and Governance Issues: Discussion (28 Jun 2023)

Mattie McGrath: Loyal to.

Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport And Media: Transparency of RTÉ Expenditure of Public Funds and Governance Issues: Discussion (28 Jun 2023)

Mattie McGrath: I apologise. I did not accuse the witnesses of lying.

Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport And Media: Transparency of RTÉ Expenditure of Public Funds and Governance Issues: Discussion (28 Jun 2023)

Mattie McGrath: Questions are being asked about top-up payments and who else would take on - I will not mention the personality. Who else will pay? We were told back in 2010 that presenters might move to the BBC or elsewhere. RTÉ was also dealing with Mr. Kelly and paying through a British company. I am not being anti-British, but does Brexit create any worries about dealing in that kind of manner?

Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport And Media: Transparency of RTÉ Expenditure of Public Funds and Governance Issues: Discussion (28 Jun 2023)

Mattie McGrath: None. We should go back to the fair days when we would make a deal and spit in the hand. Now we have to go to England for it. Barter companies should not exist. The public service is accountable. It should not have to have barter companies and private deals with companies to guarantee someone that if the moneys did not stack up, the taxpayers' would pick it up.

Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport And Media: Transparency of RTÉ Expenditure of Public Funds and Governance Issues: Discussion (28 Jun 2023)

Mattie McGrath: To who?

Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport And Media: Transparency of RTÉ Expenditure of Public Funds and Governance Issues: Discussion (28 Jun 2023)

Mattie McGrath: That is Ms O'Leary's version of it. How does RTÉ plan to address the significant reputational damage caused by this scandal, and to rebuild the trust and commitment to transparency, integrity and accountability?