Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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The disclosures of the last few weeks concerning Governance issues at RTÉ have been shocking and it is essential to restore trust in RTÉ. The details of the barter account are a matter for RTÉ in the first instance and I have repeatedly stated both publicly and in meetings with RTÉ that there is a need for full disclosure and transparency in this regard. I expect RTÉ to provide appropriate details as requested by Committees of the Oireachtas in this regard, including details relating to barter accounts.

Following Government approval last Tuesday, I announced the commissioning of an independent, root and branch examination of RTÉ, composed of two separate and parallel reviews:

• a Review of Governance and Culture; and
• a Review of Contractor Fees, Human Resources (HR) and other matters.

The Reviews will each be directed by a three-person Expert Advisory Committees who will oversee the work of a professional services firm that will be appointed to assist the reviews following a procurement process.

To further underpin the work of the Committees, I will be invoking powers under section 109(7)(a) of the Broadcasting Act 2009, to appoint a forensic accountant to examine the books or other records of account of RTÉ, including the barter account. My officials are progressing the procurement of this service.