Overview
- Cabinet approval Tuesday cleared a Broadcasting Amendment Bill that would make the Comptroller and Auditor General the auditor of RTÉ’s accounts from the 2026 figures, shifting oversight from private auditors to the State’s watchdog.
- The bill outlines tighter controls that include anonymised pay reporting, annual reports on commissioning and spending, expanded reviews by regulator Coimisiún na Meán, and greater accountability to the Dáil’s Public Accounts Committee.
- Following Tuesday’s approval, Minister Patrick O’Donovan met RTÉ leaders and requested a breakdown of all remuneration packages in €5,000 bands as well as clarity on nearly €100,000 paid to former Radio 1 presenters Claire Byrne and Ray D’Arcy while still under contract.
- O’Donovan said he wants RTÉ to consider publishing a top‑100 salary list, and senior management will face the Oireachtas media committee on Wednesday for questions on pay practices, pensions, funding and reform.
- RTÉ said it revised its 2024 top‑10 presenters after reassessing dual roles, adding Derek Mooney and calling his case isolated, while Director‑General Kevin Bakhurst argued the broadcaster has paid a price for transparency and the minister rejected that claim but said he accepts there are no further known cases.