An external review of RTE's governance has been ordered by the Media Minister after the shocking Ryan Tubridy payments scandal emerged.
The revelations that the former Late Late Show host was paid €300k more than was made public have dominated the news agenda since they were revealed earlier this week.
Media Minister Catherine Martin met with Chair of the RTE Board Siuin Ni Raghallaigh today to discuss the "very serious matters".
The Green Party deputy leader urged the Chair "re-building trust and confidence is now paramount" after the scandal caused "untold damage" to RTE's reputation.
Read more: RTE paid Ryan Tubridy over €300,000 more than it declared to public
Plans to reform the TV Licence funding model have also been paused pending the external review.
Minister Martin said: "At the meeting, I reiterated to the Chair that what has transpired is shocking, and as evidenced by media coverage and public comment over the past number of days, it has caused untold damage to RTE’s reputation and to public service broadcasting more generally.
"I impressed upon the Chair that re-building trust and confidence is now paramount. This means ensuring complete transparency and clarity not only in terms of what has happened but also on how matters are dealt with in future. I expect that the Board of RTÉ will address these governance failings with thoroughness and urgency.
"The Chair has provided me with greater clarity around the process which the Board has undertaken and the next steps, and I understand the external review commissioned by RTE to review the remuneration of the top 10 most highly paid presenters will be concluded within two weeks."
She added: "However, notwithstanding today’s meeting, this week’s revelations signal potential deeper challenges in the organisation. I have therefore decided there needs to be an external review of governance and culture at RTÉ. The purpose of this review will be to determine what fundamental or systemic issues need to be addressed, including the adequacy of internal controls.
"While as Minister I cannot get involved in the day to day operation of RTÉ, I do need assurance that the governance and culture is fit for purpose.
"Public trust in RTE must be rebuilt. Therefore, a Government decision on the future funding model for public service broadcasting has been paused until such time as this review is complete and the findings considered.
"My officials will develop Terms of Reference in this regard over the coming week, and I will expect the full co-operation of the RTÉ Board and senior executives in engaging with this review and in engaging with Oireachtas Committees in the coming period."
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