Another member of RTÉ Board to step down 'for work-related reasons' 

Media Minister Catherine Martin said on Friday that Dr PJ Matthews would leave the board for work-related reasons

Catherine Martin said on Friday that Dr PJ Matthews would leave the board for work-related reasons.

Media Minister Catherine Martin has announced that another member of the RTÉ Board is to step down.

Ms Martin said on Friday that Dr PJ Matthews would leave the board for work-related reasons.

Ms Martin made the announcement after what she called a "positive and forward-looking" meeting with the RTÉ Board following last week's resignation of former chairperson Siún Ní Raghallaigh.

She expressed her "appreciation for the significant commitment which the Board has demonstrated over what has been a very difficult eight months".

"The Board members updated me on the important work, at Board level and throughout the organisation, on RTÉ’s new strategy and the reforms which have been put in place.

"I acknowledged the dedication and commitment which the former Chair had shown in this regard. I also acknowledged the contribution of Dr PJ Matthews, who has notified me of his decision, for work-related reasons, to resign from the Board.

"I confirmed to the Board my immediate focus is on appointing a new Chair and additional members very shortly to ensure that the Board can continue its important work. I also provided assurances of my absolute commitment to a Government decision on a new and sustainable funding model by the summer."

Government sources have said that a new chair is likely to be in place next week.

Ms Ní Raghallaigh resigned last week, some hours after Ms Martin refused to express confidence in her as head of the RTÉ board during an interview on Prime Time.

The minister said she had been misinformed on two occasions about Ms Ní Raghallaigh’s involvement in approving an exit package for a former RTÉ executive.

Meanwhile, RTÉ has announced Mari Hurley as the broadcaster's new chief financial officer.