Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 July 2023
75. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to clarify when the independent root-and-branch examination into RTÉ will commence; how long the process will take; when it is envisaged the findings of the report will be made available to her Department in order that she can address the recommendations proposed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34489/23]
View answerOn 4 July, the Government approved proposals I brought forward to initiate a root and branch examination of RTÉ comprising two elements:
• 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
As set out in my statement following the Government meeting that day, I expect to receive the final reports within six months of the commencement of the examination, with interim reports submitted as required. As the two elements of the Examination progress, findings may prompt a widening of the scope at my discretion, including those arising from subsequent Grant Thornton reports, the work of the Public Accounts Committee and Joint Oireachtas Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport & Media, and issues arising from their deliberations. Yesterday I announced two additional experts for each of the Expert Advisory Committees and I expect to meet with the two Expert Committees shortly.
In addition, I am exercising powers under Section 109(7)(a) of the Broadcasting Act to appoint a forensic accountant who will focus in the first instance on the barter accounts and any other off-balance sheet accounts that may be identified. The procurement process has been completed and I announced yesterday that I have appointed Mazars for this purpose. I expect that Mazars will commence work immediately.
