RTÉ in Crisis

Micheál Martin voices concern over state becoming ‘over involved’ in RTÉ

Tánaiste said any state-imposed cap on exit packages should be in line with industry norms

“The political system should avoid over involvement in RTÉ because of the editorial independence issue. And where does the line get drawn in respect of how far we interfere? That's my concern overall, standing back from it.” Picture: Peter Morrison

Micheál Martin has expressed concern over the state potentially becoming “over involved” in RTÉ, saying that government needs to implement “guardrails” to ensure it does not infringe on the national broadcaster’s editorial independence.

The Tánaiste was speaking amid public and political outcry in relation to exit packages paid to former senior staff at RTÉ.

Last week, it was revealed that Breda O’Keefe, the former chief financial broadcaster at the organisation, was paid €450,000 to depart from her role in 2020. It then emerged that Rory Coveney, the former director of strategy, who oversaw the failed Toy Show the Musical stage show, received a payment of €200,000 after resigning in July, according to reports.