Sinn Féin calls for Catherine Martin to face questions over RTÉ in Dáil

It comes hours after Labour called for Ms Martin to resign, saying she has 'utterly decimated' any chance for RTÉ to recover in the short term

Sinn Féin has called on Catherine Martin to answer questions in the Dáil. Picture: Niall Carson/PA

Sinn Féin has called on Media Minister Catherine Martin to answer questions in the Dáil over the ongoing crisis at RTÉ, following the resignation of Siún Ní Raghallaigh overnight.

Ms Ní Raghallaigh resigned after Ms Martin failed to express confidence in her. The sudden departure followed revelations that Ms Martin had been “misinformed” about the approval of an exit package for a former RTÉ executive.

Siún Ní Raghallaigh resigned, saying she no longer had the confidence of the media minister.  File picture: Eamonn Farrell/Rollingnews.ie

The party’s chief whip, Pádraig Mac Lochlainn, has written to both Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl and the Dáil business committee to request Ms Martin takes questions in the chamber next week.

“I am writing on behalf of Sinn Féin to request that time be made available during next week’s Dáil schedule to allow for Minister Catherine Martin to come before the Dáil to take statements with questions and answers from members following the resignation of the chairperson of the board of RTÉ Siún Ní Raghallaigh,” Mr Mac Lochlainn’s letter reads.

“Given the seriousness of the situation, we hope this request can be facilitated as early as possible next week.” 

Sinn Féin’s calls have been echoed by People Before Profit, with a party spokesperson saying that Ms Martin has “questions to answer” and that they are also writing to the Ceann Comhairle.

It comes just hours after Labour called for Ms Martin to resign, with the party’s spokesperson on media Marie Sherlock saying that she has “utterly decimated” any chance for RTÉ to recover in the short term.