Ryan Tubridy and his agent Noel Kelly will appear before two highly anticipated Oireachtas Committee hearings later today.
The pair will be asked to answer for hidden payments made to Mr Tubridy by RTÉ between 2017 and 2022.
Solicitors for Mr Tubridy and Mr Kelly will also attend the hearings with both the Oireachtas Media Committee and the Public Accounts Committee to give advice.
Ryan Tubridy and Noel Kelly at funeral of broadcaster Gerry Ryan, 5/5/2010. Photo: Sasko Lazarov/RollingNews.ieMedia Committee Chair Niamh Smyth said she has never seen an advisor from a legal entity attend a hearing before.
“Am I surprised? Probably not,” she said. “Ultimately, Ryan Tubridy or Noel Kelly don't have to come before the committee – they're coming voluntarily.
“I'm sure they've had their legal teams engaged from the very start and get go of this crisis that has unfolded.
“I hope that we can still have a robust discussion.”
Tubridy's future
New Director General Kevin Bakhurst said he will speak to staff regarding Mr Tubridy's future.
“I want to hear the views of staff and respect the views of staff," he said. “They should be allowed to have a voice.”
Kevin Bakhurst talking to the media as he announces a new Intermin Leadership team at RTE Headquarters. 10/07/2023 Photo: Sasko Lazarov/RollingNews.ieMr Bakhurst also said he would wish Mr Tubridy well if reports of him seeking a job in the UK are true.
“I’ve heard this before from Ryan,” he said. “If there are opportunities there, I sincerely wish him well.
“It's a tough media market in the UK at the moment and so it's not going to be straightforward, but good luck to him.”
RTÉ Executive Board
Yesterday, Mr Bakhurst announced the entire RTÉ Executive Board would stand down and be replaced with an interim leadership team.
The new Director General has expressed plans to reform the culture and financial governance of RTÉ.
The Licensed Vintners Association confirmed that “several pubs across Dublin are expected to broadcast the Oireachtas Committee meetings”.
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Manager Karen Mannion said she will play it in case any customers want to watch it.
“It is big news in the country, and you know if you want to watch it you can,” she said.
