Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 June 2024
57. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media 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]
View answerI 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.
