Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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55. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when she became aware of a consideration before the RTÉ board concerning a proposed severance package for a senior member of staff, as revealed at the Oireachtas Media Committee meeting of 12 June 2024; if she is aware of the amount involved; her views on whether this expenditure would be excessive and unwarranted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26486/24]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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The Chairperson of RTÉ advised the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport and Media on 12 June 2024, of a potential severance agreement or settlement with a senior member of staff at RTÉ.

The Chairperson had advised me, at our most recent meeting on 29 May 2024, that RTÉ was in the process of negotiating a mediated exit settlement, and that the proposed settlement would be considered by the Board’s Remuneration Committee, as per its updated Terms of Reference.

The Chairperson informed me that this process was ongoing and in line with normal practice, the amount of the proposed settlement was not disclosed. The Chairman will provide on update on the matter to me when the matter is concluded.

I would expect that RTÉ ensures that any individual severance or termination agreements which it may be necessary to conclude are done so in accordance with clear advice, take account of recommendations from any independent mediation that may be utilised, are in line with agreed procedures, that they ensure best value for RTÉ considering its receipt of public funding, and that they align with the relevant provisions of the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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56. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when she most recently met the chairman of RTÉ to discuss severance-related matters; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26487/24]

Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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57. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the dates on which she has met the new chairman of RTÉ; if she will clarify the agenda for each of these meetings; if severance payment-related matters were discussed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26488/24]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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I have met with the Chairperson of RTÉ, Mr. Terence O’Rourke on four occasions, since his appointment by the Government on 5 March 2024.

On 7 March 2024, I had an introductory, online meeting with the Chairperson, at which we briefly discussed the continuing programme of reform of RTÉ; and the priority of putting in place a sustainable funding model for RTÉ and public service media in Ireland.

The Chairperson and I had an in-person meeting on 19 March 2024, where we considered forthcoming Board Appointments; a communications protocol; the status of the two Expert Advisory Committees reviewing Governance and Culture, and Contractor Fees, Human Resources and Other Matters at RTÉ, which were due to report to me; interim and long term funding of RTÉ; preparation of a new Statement of Strategy by RTÉ; and the Public Accounts Committee’s Report on RTÉ.

On 7 May 2024, in advance of the publication of the reports of the two Expert Advisory Committees, I met virtually with the Chairperson.

Finally on 29 May 2024, I had an in-person meeting with the Chairperson, where he briefed me on RTÉ governance and oversight reforms; RTÉ’s forthcoming Statement of Strategy; and upcoming Board vacancies. We also discussed interim and longer term funding for RTÉ.

In the course of this meeting, the Chairperson also informed me that RTÉ was in the process of negotiating a mediated exit settlement for a senior member of staff, that the process was ongoing, and would be considered by the Board’s Remuneration Committee, as per its updated Terms of reference. In line with normal practice, the amount of the proposed settlement was not disclosed.

The Chairperson will provide me with an update on the matter when the current process is concluded.