Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 November 2022
5. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will report on her engagements with RTÉ with regard to pay parity for Irish language workers within the broadcaster. [56642/22]
View answerTá an cheist seo cosúil leis an gceist a chuir an Teachta Munster. This question is similar to that raised by Deputy Munster. It relates to the need for pay parity for Irish language workers in RTÉ and asks the Minister to report on her engagements in that regard.
.As I set out in my response to Deputy Munster on the issue of potential pay discrepancies between workers in Raidió na Gaeltachta and their English language counterparts, RTÉ is currently undertaking a wide-ranging review of its staff grading structure. I am advised that this process involves a root-and-branch evaluation of all staff roles and grades, including an assessment of the skills needs and requirements of the organisation. It is designed to enable RTÉ to devise a streamlined grading structure with fairness and transparency across all roles, including those in Raidió na Gaeltachta. The review is ongoing and I understand it is likely to conclude in June next year. Deputy Munster asked for clarification in that regard.
Tá sé ríthábhachtach domsa go dtugtar stádas comhionann don Ghaeilge i ngach réimse den saol, ach go háirithe i leith na craoltóireachta. Mar a dúirt mé cheana, tá ról ríthábhachtach aici i múnlú féiniúlacht agus chultúr na hÉireann. It is of critical importance to me that the Irish language is given equal status in all spheres of life, but particularly in respect of broadcasting, which serves such a crucial role in shaping Irish identity and culture. I would therefore share the Deputy's concerns with regard to ensuring there is no disparity in pay that is purely related to the language through which a person conducts his or her work. I am aware the Committee of Public Accounts has raised its concerns on this matter with RTÉ directly and that RTÉ has committed to providing an update to that committee in due course. As the Deputy will recall, the issue was also raised with me on Committee Stage of the Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill.
As I stated to the Deputy's colleague, issues relating to staffing and remuneration are operational matters for RTÉ and I am mindful of its statutory independence in these matters, as set out in the Broadcasting Act 2009. Nevertheless, my officials have engaged with RTÉ to seek further clarity on the matter and will continue to monitor the progress and outcome of the review process in the context of the Department's corporate governance oversight of RTÉ. Notwithstanding this, I consider it necessary and important for RTÉ to address comprehensively the concerns raised by the committee in respect of the pay of Irish language workers, and I have written to RTÉ asking that it respond to the joint committee in this regard.
Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as an soiléiriú go bhfuil sé i gceist an tuairisc mar gheall ar na gráid phá in RTÉ a bheith críochnaithe ina iomláine i mí an Mheithimh an bhliain seo chugainn. Is drochlá é, it is a sad day when the State broadcaster has two different levels of pay for the same work. The work of many of those within Raidió na Gaeltachta is probably at a higher level than those on the equivalent. For instance, presenters at Raidió na Gaeltachta are not just presenters; they are also researchers, producers and journalists. There is often an additional burden on those working at Raidió na Gaeltachta. I heard what the Minister said and I welcome her support for the enshrinement of equal pay for equal work within all State sectors, including Raidió na Gaeltachta and RTÉ.
As I outlined in my replies to the Deputy and to Deputy Munster, both of whom I thank for raising this important issue, parity of esteem between the Irish and English languages is vital and so I share the Deputy's concerns in respect of any disparity in pay purely related to the language through which a person conducts his or her work. Although we have been told the ongoing review is not specifically designed to address any disparity in the remuneration of Irish language workers at RTÉ compared with their English language counterparts, the current review process is examining all roles in the organisation. While RTÉ has provided further detail on the ongoing process, I have written to ask it to address the specific concerns of the committee, to communicate with the joint committee, and to set out how the process will address pay disparity. I do not wish to pre-empt any further clarity RTÉ might provide but I am happy to engage further with it on this matter.
This issue has not been in gestation for the past year or so; it has been growing for several years, to the frustration of those working within the Irish language media sections of RTÉ.
The specific complaint relates to Raidió na Gaeltachta in particular, which is a national broadcaster, yet its workers are treated as second-class workers. Will the Minister, in any of the communications she will have in the future, ask RTÉ whether it will retrospectively address the unequal pay for unequal work that has happened over the years at Raidió na Gaeltachta?
As I said, I have to emphasise that this is a matter for RTÉ, given its statutory independence. My Department has no role in the day-to-day administrative or operational functions of RTÉ and, therefore, I cannot direct it in matters relating to staff remuneration. It is vital, however, that there is parity of esteem between both languages. There should also be transparency and clarity on the grading of and, by extension, remuneration for workers, regardless of the language through which their work is conducted. That is why I asked RTÉ to provide greater clarity and address Members' concerns regarding the remuneration of Irish-language staff and how this process will achieve this. On the Deputy's specific question, it would be more prudent to await the outcome of the review before I jump to any conclusions. I will assess where we are when I see that review.
