RTÉ’s hidden payments to Ryan Tubridy appear to be an “act designed to deceive”, the RTÉ Chair has said.

Speaking to the Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee, Siún Ní Raghallaigh said the scandal was “truly shocking” and promised the broadcaster would work to rebuild the public’s trust. 

“As a trained accountant and a former financial controller, I am appalled as to how payments were recorded and presented in the RTÉ accounts,” Ms Ní Raghallaigh told the committee. 

“What was the motivation here? It appears to me that this was an act designed to deceive.

“The forthcoming external government review will look at matters of culture and governance. 

“This is welcome - but in the short term that is not enough. 

“Every day that passes can further erode confidence in an institution that is a cornerstone of this State."

Former RTÉ Director General Dee Forbes declined to appear before the Oireachtas this week due to ill health and Ms Ní Raghallaigh said she should do so when able. 

'Dustbin'

Ms Ní Raghallaigh also said there would be a review of highly paid staff members' salaries and that it was time for the broadcaster to dispense with the word ‘talent’ for its highest paid presenters. 

"Words matter and the term, as it is currently used, reinforces a 'them and us' culture in RTÉ,” she said. 

"It implies some have greater worth than others. The first step in cultural change is to consign this term to the dustbin.” 

Also testifying before the committee was interim Director-General Adrian Lynch, who told TDs and Senators the board had failed in its “failed to ensure good governance” and would need urgent reform.  

‘A story to tell’ 

Speaking from Brussels Taoiseach Leo Varadkar urged Ryan Tubridy and his agent Noel Kelly to testify before the Oireachtas. 

“They may have a story to tell and I think it is right that they should be allowed to tell their side of the story,” he said.

“The fact that they wouldn’t or would refuse to would be a matter of more concern to me.”

‘I can’t wait to get started’ 

Patrick Kielty, who will start as presenter of the Late Late Show in September, has revealed he will be paid  €250,000 per season.

Mr Kielty will also receive €20,000 to cover pre-production and rehearsals this summer. 

He will pay for his own flights and accommodation but has asked RTÉ for to pay for carbon offsetting. 

“I genuinely hope this helps clarify things going forward,” he said. 

“I can’t wait to get started.”

Main image: Siún Ní Raghallaigh. Picture by: RollingNews.ie.