A Clare Independent TD says it would be a sad reflection on RTÉ as a broadcaster if it’s found to have been exploiting employees.
It comes as members of the RTÉ Executive Board will appear for a second grilling before an OireachTas Committee this afternoon.
They will face further questions over the Ryan Tubridy pay saga, after criticism over yesterday’s Media Committee appearance.
Another difficult day of questioning is in store for RTE executives about the Ryan Tubridy payments scandal.
16 current and former members of the Executive Board have been called before the Public Accounts Committee from half past one, as it attempts to get further clarity on who knew what, and when, about undeclared payments to RTE’s highest paid presenter.
Media Minister Catherine Martin wants more transparency today from those representing the national broadcaster than that seen at the Oireachtas Media Committee yesterday.
Clare Independent TD Michael McNamara, who questioned RTÉ executives yesterday, was told that RTÉ has paid Revenue 1.2 million euro to date in settlements relating to bogus self-employment contracts and that it has made provision for “significantly more” for ongong cases.
The Scariff Deputy is hopeful a clearer picture will be provided by executives at today’s meeting and he says it would be a sad reflection on RTÉ as a broadcaster, if it’s found to have been exploiting employees.
Clare’s Fianna Fáil Senator has described yesterday’s proceedings as “comical”, saying the suggestion that only one person could have known all of the details relating to the concealment of additional payments to one particular star isn’t believable.
Tulla-based Senator Timmy Dooley says if members of the executive board follow the same pattern today, they’re moving into a situation where the Government has to act, something he believes shouldn’t have to happen.
Speaking in Brussels ahead of a European Council meeting, meanwhile, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said he believes Ryan Tubridy, agent Noel Kelly and Dee Forbes should go before an Oireachtas Committee.
You can listen to the full interview below.
