Representatives of RTÉ will appear before the Oireachtas Media Committee this afternoon following a damaging week for the broadcaster.

TDs and Senators have serious questions about secret payments made to presenter Ryan Tubridy.

RTÉ released a statement on Tuesday laying much of the blame for the controversy at the door of former Director-General Dee Forbes.

Ryan Tubridy is seen in August 2017 at RTÉ studios in Dublin. Picture by: Sam Boal/Rollingnews.ie

It said she was to the fore of the negotiations of Mr Tubridy's contract for 2020 to 2025, and the creation of a tripartite agreement to pay more him through a commercial sponsor.

It said she was the only member of the executive board with all the details to know Mr Tubridy's publicly stated salary was incorrect.

Ms Forbes did not have the chance to contest that statement and will not appear before the Oireachtas Media Committee later, with her solicitors writing to the Committee citing ill health.

Dee Forbes is seen in November 2019 a Late Late Show tribute to Gay Byrne. Picture by: Andres Poveda

Ms Forbes resigned from her position on Monday.

In a statement she criticised the RTÉ Board, insisting it had "not treated me with anything approaching the levels of fairness, equity and respect that anyone should expect as an employee, a colleague or a person".

"I am deeply sorry for what has happened and my part in this episode and for that I apologise unreservedly to everyone," she added.

Members of the NUJ union protesting at RTÉ studios in Dublin over Ryan Tubridy's financial arrangements and money payments. Picture by: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie

Many questions still remain for the broadcaster - including the details of extra payments made to Mr Tubridy prior to 2020, which are still being examined by Grant Thornton.

Politicians will likely also ask why the payments, made through a UK barter account, were listed as consultancy services and anonymised.

Questions are likely too about why RTÉ paid for the commercial events at which Mr Tubridy was due to appear at a cost of more than €30,000.

The committee is set to meet at 1.30pm.

The broadcaster has said the Chairperson of the RTÉ Board, Siún Ní Raghallaigh, and Interim Deputy Director-General Adrian Lynch will attend.

Executives will also appear before the Public Accounts Committee on Thursday.

Additional reporting: Jack Quann

Main image: An RTÉ logo at the station headquarters in Donnybrook, Dublin 4. Picture by: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie