Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 November 2023
279. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will report on her recent representations to management of RTÉ in relation to the ending of all bogus self-employment contracts at the broadcaster. [50959/23]
View answerIn addition to setting out the remit and obligations of RTÉ as a public service broadcaster, the Broadcasting Act also provides for the independence of RTÉ in its fulfilment of these obligations. This independence extends not only to editorial decision-making but also to operational activities, including matters relating to staffing and remuneration.
These provisions are designed to ensure that there is no undue external influence in the functioning of Public Service Broadcasters. As such, it would not be appropriate for me to make representations to RTÉ management in relation to this matter, and I have not done so. Any representations made to my office regarding contractual and employment arrangements at RTÉ have been passed on to the broadcaster, at the request of the correspondent, for appropriate follow up action by RTÉ directly.
As the Deputy will be aware, RTÉ did commission a review of these matters, carried out by Eversheds Sutherland, as a result of which, RTÉ has adopted a policy of “employment first”. The Department of Social Protection has an ongoing investigation into PRSI classification of certain workers and contractors at the broadcaster, and RTÉ is engaging with that Department on this matter. My Department has no role in this investigation.
Finally, last July I commissioned a review into HR and related matters to be overseen by an independent Expert Advisory Committee. The work of this committee is ongoing and I expect to receive a report on the matter in Q1 2024.
