RTÉ has published its plan to roll out a register of interests for staff and contractors. 

Managers at the station will be allowed to block staff from accepting external work - such as speaking engagements or brand ambassadorships.

It is expected that the register will be made publicly available and updated regularly.

There could also be sanctions for non-compliance.

Media Minister Catherine Martin said the issue of how compliance is handled is a matter for RTÉ to decide.

“I think that’s part of the engagement that needs to happen with the Director General and with the unions and that’s why it’s essential that that is happening [and] that it’s part of that process,” Media Minister Catherine Martin said.

'On the right road'

The proposal comes in the wake of an external review into RTÉ’s use of a barter account.

Last week, an interim report concluded the account was used to buy goods in a manner that did not conform to RTÉ’s standard purchasing and procurement processes and there was an “absence of budgetary reporting”.

Minister Martin said RTÉ had behaved in a way “not befitting a public service organisation” but that improvements have been made since the new Director General Kevin Bakhurst took over.

“I also think the level of engagement with staff at RTÉ has really changed since the new Director General came in,” she said.

“He told me today he has met with over 30 representative groups and the new interim leadership team - that’s another change he made, that’s making a difference after the damage done.

“The RTÉ Chair told me since April, new procedures with regards to the barter account have been operating, so everything is documented.

“More needs to be done but I think they’re on the right road.

“It’s a big issue and there’s no quick fix.”

Main image: RTÉ Director-General Kevin Bakhurst is seen at the broadcaster following a meeting with the NUJ in July 2023. Picture by: Sasko Lazarov/RollingNews.ie