Media Minister Catherine Martin said “trust was shattered” between the public and RTÉ, leaving people “shocked and outraged”, reports RTE.
The Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport and Media questioned Minister Martin for nearly three hours this afternoon, with politicians repeatedly expressing their disbelief and frustration at recent events.
Minister Martin expressed her concern about “the serious cultural, control and governance issues” at the national broadcaster, reports RTE.
The minister acknowledged that “[a] number of positive actions have been taken by the Board and DG (Director General) over the past number of weeks”, adding that “comprehensive and far-reaching examinations” are underway, reports RTE.
Forensic accountants have since 2012 expanded their work into Barter accounts, including roles in RTÉ’s Management and Management Board and Audit and Risk Committee.
Asked whether she has confidence in the board’s ability to exercise its supervisory functions, she replied that “they have moved quickly to work to improve the structures”.
“I think the skillset is there in the board too,” she added, reports RTE.
Fianna Fáil Senator Shane Castles has expressed his disappointment that RTÉ has not outlined an outline strategic plan for the broadcaster in time for Budget Day next Tuesday.
Minister Martin said: “Obviously robust governance, but a lot of that is fixing what we would have expected in the first place, but I would like to see a focus on independent productions, a focus on digital. We need to see a vision of a trustworthy broadcaster that provides quality content that reflects the values of our society and reflects the diversity of Ireland and inclusivity and it needs to be done in a cost-effective way,” reports RTE.
“A failure of €2 million was defended here on the basis that, sure we’re supporting the arts. A failure of €2 million was defended here on the basis that, sure we’re supporting the arts. You can call it investing in the arts or you can call it a colossal cock up, I know what I’d call it, and for them to come in with that attitude, they wouldn’t come in now with that attitude. Well, I’d hope not,” Mr Cassels said, reports RTE.
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