Minister should have been privy to identities of RTÉ board members who failed in their duties – Dillon

It is difficult to understand how the Communications Minister was not informed of the concealed identities of the five RTÉ board members who presided over the Toy Show, The Musical €2.2m loss incurring flop, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Deputy Alan Dillon, who serves on the Oireachtas Media Committee, made his comments after Minister Catherine Martin admitted on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland radio programme this morning that she had not been told who the five board members are, who’s identities are redacted in the RTÉ commissioned report, which was produced by Grant Thornton.

“As the Minister who is responsible for the funding of RTÉ, one would assume that any reports commissioned, produced and published regarding the national broadcaster’s operations are provided in totality to her for her full review. It is therefore, hard to fathom how Minister Martin seems satisfied to not have been given an unredacted version of the report,” Deputy Dillon said.

“Furthermore, she stated that there were failings in control procedures, a ‘dysfunctional’ relationship between the RTÉ board and executive existed and that the information that the board should have expected to receive was never received or sought. Despite all this, Minister Martin is content to have these five anonymous board members remain, and is opting to await the outcome of another independent report, which is due before the end of February

“Minister Martin also said that she has confidence in the Chairperson of the Board, but did not extend her confidence beyond that. She cites the need for accountability, reform of RTÉ and the need to restore public trust as key drivers in adopting a ‘wait and see’ approach.

“While I understand and support the need for further accountability from the board, RTÉ appears to be calling the shots here with its governing department. This report was commissioned by them and they have chosen to release a version that protects individuals whose collective failure in their responsibilities cost the public purse, and the taxpayer a significant amount of money, €2.2 million.

“Minister Martin should have received the full version of this report, naming all five board members. That she has is content to take what RTÉ is prepared to give her is uninspiring for those of us who seek full disclosure to enable us to work with a national broadcaster which is fit-for-purpose after this series of outrageous events,” Deputy Dillon concluded.