Taoiseach can 'understand' anger of RTÉ staff over restoration of executives' pay

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said he had confidence in the new board and director general Kevin Bakhurst. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said he can “certainly understand” the disappointment that RTÉ staff and licence fee holders feel after it emerge RTÉ executives had pay cuts restored last September.

Mr Varadkar, who said he was unaware of the reinstatement, said the 10% pay cut was presented as a permanent measure, but only lasted for one year.

He said before additional funding could be sanctioned, a new strategy and reform plan from the director general and the board which gives taxpayers confidence in change is required.

Mr Varadkar said the broadcaster would also need additional funding next year. 

“Let’s be honest, if they are going to have additional funding for this year, they are going to need additional funding for next year as well,” he said.

Speaking on RTÉ's News at One,Mr Varadkar said he had confidence in the new board and director general Kevin Bakhurst, who has had a good start "in very difficult circumstances".

'Rigorous analysis'

Meanwhile, Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe said RTÉ’s requests for funding should be subject to “rigorous analysis”.

He said RTÉ’s most recent request for interim funding underscored the importance of the assessment by the Government's financial adviswrs NewERA.

Mr Donohoe said the NewERA assessment of RTÉ's requests for funding would guide the Government’s response.

Although revenue from TV licence fees is falling, Mr Donohoe said it was still a “hugely valuable” income.

“It is inconceivable to me that we are going to be able to respond to RTÉ’s needs without the retention of the television licence, and the role that will play and the value of the revenue that's coming in there,” he said.

Separately, Finance Minister Michael McGrath has signalled RTÉ’s requests for interim funding may not be paid in full.

"In any negotiation, whether it is a budget bid by a minister or an organisation within the State remit, It is very unusual that you get everything you ask for. So there will be a rigorous assessment of the ask by RTÉ,” he said.

He said the Government would have to be satisfied with genuine reform before providing taxpayers' money to fund the deficit left by the fall in licence fee income.

Mr McGrath said the Government would stand behind the broadcaster however, it must be satisfied there was a genuine process of reform under way in RTÉ “to give us the comfort to provide taxpayers' money to support the organisation”.