Minister refuses to express confidence in RTÉ chair after 'misinformation'

Culture Minister Catherine Martin speaking at Government Buildings, Dublin, after meeting RTE Board chair Siun Ni Raghallaigh and RTE director general Kevin Bakhurst. Picture date: Monday February 19, 2024. Picture: PA Wire

Media Minister Catherine Martin has declined to express confidence in RTÉ board chair Siún Ní Raghallaigh, after further revelations that the board approved Richard Collins’ exit package.

Ms Martin told RTÉ’s Prime Time that she sought several assurances from Ms Ní Raghallaigh that the board had no role in approving exit packages.

However, she said that on Thursday, it was revealed that the board approved Mr Collins exit package through its remuneration committee.

Ms Martin said that she had been “misinformed” about the matter and that she had written to Ms Ní Raghallaigh over the matter.

“I am deeply disappointed with this and I’ve written to the chair this evening and I’ve asked to meet her on Friday to discuss this,” Ms Martin said.

Despite being asked several times if she had confidence in Ms Ní Raghallaigh, Ms Martin declined to answer, saying that the chair should be afforded the chance to explain herself.

Asked if she would remove Ms Ní Raghallaigh from her position, Ms Martin said that she has to give “everything consideration”, but she would meet her first.

However, Ms Martin did express confidence in RTÉ’s Director General Kevin Bakhurst.

The latest development in the saga comes after another tumultuous day for the national broadcaster.

Earlier, Ms Martin had said that exit packages must be the “exception rather than the norm” in RTÉ, after legal advice shows the broadcaster cannot reveal golden handshakes.

RTÉ has written to former executives who left the broadcaster as far back as 2016, asking them for consent to waive their rights to confidentiality.

The broadcaster is seeking legal advice on whether or not it is possible to cap future exit payments.

Siún Ní Raghallaigh Chairman of RTE Board speaking at the Joint Committee of Tourism, Culture, Sport, Arts and Media. Photo: Oireachtas TV

In a statement, RTÉ said: "RTÉ has been assured by its independent legal advisors that exit agreements fell within parameters of similar arrangements seen in both the private and semi-state sectors."

"While RTÉ will continue to operate in accordance with best practice, it has confirmed to the Minister that it is taking external advice with regard to future caps on severance pay and termination agreements, as well as options regarding confidentiality."

Ms Martin said that the legal advice received by the broadcaster is “clear” and that the confidentiality agreements are binding across all parties.

“Accordingly, they cannot be unilaterally breached by RTÉ without significant legal and financial risk to the organisation,” Ms Martin said.

“My focus is on ensuring maximum transparency for RTÉ going forward.” 

Ms Martin reiterated that caps on exit packages must be examined by the broadcaster, with RTÉ's director-general Kevin Bakhurst having committed to “fully examine” the measure.