The new host of RTE’s Late Late Show Patrick Kielty has revealed a 250,000 euro-a-season salary amid intensifying pressure on the organisation for failing to disclose additional payments made to his predecessor.
Ireland’s public service broadcaster is engulfed in crisis after it was revealed last week that it had underreported Ryan Tubridy’s salary by a total of 345,000 (£298,000) euro over the period 2017 to 2022.
Tubridy stepped down from the flagship light entertainment show in May after 14 years at the helm and Co Down comedian Kielty was subsequently unveiled as his successor.
Kielty and RTE had been facing calls to disclose his contract arrangements given the furore around the misreported payments to Tubridy.
The new host said he will be paid 250,000 euro (£216,000) per 30-show season and has signed a contract for three seasons.
He will also get a one-off payment of 20,000 euro for pre-production between now and September, but has waived a further 50,000 euro worth of travel expenses available to him under his contract.
Interim deputy director general Adrian Lynch said Kielty told the Public Accounts Committee on Thursday that in Kielty’s original contract, there was 50,000 euros worth of expenses included.
“So, Patrick Kielty has waived the 50,000,” he said.
In a statement prior to the committee, the entertainer said: “I’m pleased to finally be able to share that I’ve signed a three-season deal to host The Late Late Show beginning this September.
“I’m being paid 250,000 euro per 30-show season. If additional shows are requested by RTE, they’ll be paid on a pro-rata basis.
“I’m also receiving a one-off payment of 20,000 euro (£17,000) to cover the pre-production and rehearsals from now to September.
“The contract allows me to submit flight and accommodation expenses, but I’ve waived this. I’ve made it clear to RTE that I will be covering my own flights and accommodation costs.
“I’ve also asked RTE to carbon offset my flights.
“I genuinely hope this helps clarify things going forward. I can’t wait to get started.”
