Former Late Late Show presenter Ryan Tubridy received €150,000 from RTÉ in 2022 in addition to his annual salary, according to a review of the broadcaster’s finances.
Grant Thornton conducted an independent review of the matter after raising the issue in March, the findings of which were received by the board and RTÉ’s audit and risk committee, reports Breaking News.
In a statement released on Thursday afternoon, RTÉ confirmed that the payments that led to the investigation were independent of Tubridy’s annual salary and were part of a deal under which the state broadcaster guaranteed the presenter an additional annual income of €75,000. which was intended to come from a trading partner.
RTÉ said Mr Tubridy received the first of those €75,000 payments from a commercial partner in July 2020 “in exchange for a number of personal appearances a year.” The sender issued a credit note to the commercial partner, reducing the company. Sponsor account, reports Breaking News.
However, the trading partner later decided not to renew the contract, so after confirming the contract and not writing it down, RTÉ said it had paid Mr Tubridy directly through his agent.
RTÉ said it made two of those €75,000 payments in 2021 and 2022, for a total of €150,000.
“The board is committed to ensuring that there is appropriate accountability for what has occurred. That process is ongoing, mindful of individuals’ rights, and affording them due process,” RTÉ added, reports Breaking News.
This is a matter of profound regret for the board of RTÉ. We are well aware that this is a serious breach of trust with the public. On behalf of the board, I wish to apologise for what has occurred. It is clear that RTÉ has fallen short of the high standards that it sets for itself and are expected of it,” the board’s chair Siún Ní Raghallaigh said, reports Breaking News.
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