Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 July 2023
68. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media whether, in the aftermath of the RTÉ controversy, she intends to introduce salary caps to rein in the excessive remuneration of a minority of staff and contractors at the top of the organisation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34685/23]
View answerI thank the Deputy for raising the matter in the Dáil today. A Private Members Bill setting out similar proposals was considered at Second Stage in the Seanad last Wednesday, and I had the opportunity to respond to the issue there.
As I said in the Seanad, I fully understand the rationale for calls for a cap on remuneration. The public rightly want accountability from senior executives in RTÉ over this scandal and assurance that pay, at all levels in RTÉ, is appropriate and reflects that the services provided by RTÉ should have, as required by the Broadcasting Act, ‘the character of a public service’ .
The current statutory position is that RTÉ is free to determine the remuneration of its staff and contractors, with one exception. The appointment and varying of terms and conditions and remuneration of the Director General of RTÉ requires, under section 89 of the Broadcasting Act 2009, the consent of the Government. This has been the position since the foundation of RTÉ under the Broadcasting Authority Act 1960.
In this context, the introduction of a cap on remuneration would be a departure from long-standing policy. This does not mean that it would be wrong, but it does mean that it would require very careful consideration.
As part of the independent examination of RTÉ, a Review of Contractor Fees, Human Resources (HR) and other matters will be undertaken. The terms of reference of the Review include an examination of 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. In this context, the Expert Advisory Group appointed to carry out the review may examine a cap on remuneration should they consider it appropriate.
However, I think it is important at this point that we do not pre-judge or seek to influence the work of the independent review. I will consider any and all recommendations that they make.
