Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 July 2023
87. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if and when she intends to meet representatives of the RTÉ staff to ascertain their views on the payments controversy and the changes in culture and governance needed and to address the employment issues affecting ordinary staff; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34684/23]
View answerUnder section 98 of the Broadcasting Act 2009, RTÉ is independent in the pursuance of its objects. However, given the nature and seriousness of the damaging disclosures regarding RTÉ in recent weeks, I decided to launch an independent, root and branch examination of RTÉ.
Before finalising the terms of reference of the examination, on 28 June 2023 I met with representatives of the RTÉ Trade Union Group.
The examination of RTÉ comprises two elements, Terms of Reference for which were approved by Government on 4 July:
• an independent review to examine the governance structures and organisational culture of RTÉ overseen by an Expert Governance Advisory Committee; and
• an independent review to examine the mechanisms by which external contractors are engaged, the fees paid, the use of agents, and other HR matters in RTÉ, overseen by an Expert Advisory Committee on Contractor Fees and HR matters.
The second review reflects a number of concerns raised with me by representatives of the RTÉ Trade Union Group. Its terms of reference are to:
• Examine the oversight and mechanisms by which RTÉ engages presenters and contractors, including fees, the use of agents, the impact on costs borne by RTÉ and the governance of same;
• Examine issues arising from the use of short term employment contracts at all levels;
• Examine employment terms and conditions with particular emphasis on gender equality, diversity and inclusion; and whether any of the existing recruitment and HR practices, in particular those outlined above, have an impact on equality and opportunity;
• Make recommendations to the Minister in relation to the above matters.
The completed examination of RTÉ will inform the development of an implementation plan which will address the recommendations proposed.
I welcome the fact that the new Director General of RTÉ has met with union representatives and that on his first day, he briefed staff on his plans for rebuilding public trust and the trust of staff in RTÉ.
