Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 February 2024
179. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when she expects the reports of the two expert advisory committees on the ongoings at RTÉ will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6718/24]
View answerOn 4 July 2023, following Government approval, I commissioned 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 Advisory Committee on Governance and Culture; and,
• an independent review to examine the mechanisms by which external contractors are engaged, the fees paid, the use of agents, the use of short-term contracts at all levels, and terms of conditions of employees in RTÉ, overseen by an Expert Advisory Committee on Contractor Fees, HR and Other Matters.
I understand that the two Reviews are at an advanced stage, and that the work programme of both Committees aims for a submission date of end-February. However, as with other reviews of this nature, the Reports of both Expert Advisory Committees must adhere to the principle of natural justice and follow fair procedure. Accordingly, both Reports must be reviewed by the Committees' external legal advisors and relevant extracts must be shared with concerned parties prior to their submission to me.
