The Media Committee of the Oireachtas has been informed of a proposition under RTÉ’s board’s consideration: a severance package for an individual that could tally to around €400,000. There’s been a fair amount of controversy about the exit packages for several high-ranking RTÉ executives of late.
The aftermath of undisclosed payments to the previous Late Late Show presenter, Ryan Tubridy, and other issues related to corporate hospitality have propelled RTÉ into tumultuous waters.
At a recent meeting, Terence O’Rourke, RTÉ chairman, verified to the Oireachtas that an exit package for a particular individual was on the board’s desk. O’Rourke confirmed this while answering Brendan Griffin, of Fine Gael TD’s enquiries.
Although O’Rourke affirmed his inability to reveal specifics about the individual, when asked by Griffin if the sum could exceed €400,000, he replied that such a possibility could exist. In a previous meeting, Kevin Bakhurst, RTÉ’s director-general, informed the committee that Breda O’Keeffe, the company’s former chief financial officer, was given an exit pay of €450,000 following her departure in 2020.
In addition to this, it was revealed that upon Rory Coveney’s departure from RTÉ, he also received a severance pay. Although not officially confirmed, it was rumoured that it might be equivalent to his annual salary, approximately €200,000. When former chief financial officer Richard Collins received his exit pay, there was a disagreement over the information relayed to the Minister for Media, Catherine Martin. This disagreement resulted in the resignation of former RTÉ chairwoman, Siún Ní Raghallaigh back in February. O’Rourke shifted into her position in March.
When queried if any requests for pay or exit packages from RTÉ management had been rejected during his tenure, O’Rourke confirmed no such incidences. He did, however, mention that the board did pose questions about the pay structures for “senior people,” although these turned out to be slight increases. The board, he confirmed, received satisfactory responses upon seeking additional details.
Mr. O’Rourke has stated that during his tenure, one proposed severance package has come before the board. In a conversation Mr Bakhurst had with The Currency, the general manager mentioned that the employment regulations in this nation offer robust protections for employees when they depart a company. Mr. O’Rourke emphasised that there are two solutions to this situation: conduct lengthy and pricey legal disputes or make confidential deals, which typically wind up at the Workplace Relations Commission, with departing staff.
Mr. O’Rourke revealed that RTÉ published some particulars of previous year’s departure packages and the 2024 annual report will encompass details about any packages finalised this year. Mr Griffin enquired whether the suggested severance package might exceed €400,000. Mr O’Rourke clarified that no agreements had been made yet, but the ongoing process could potentially reach that figure.
He noted that, in accordance with employment legislation, senior staff members in higher pay brackets need to be treated equitably. Mr Griffin expressed unease about the matter, suggesting it may need more scrutiny from the committee and stated his recognition of the potential for public disapproval.
Mr O’Rourke further commented that he had discussed the proposed severance package with Ms Martin, who had been privy to the matter for some time. Upon questioning, a spokesperson for Minister Martin disclosed that during a recent meeting with the RTÉ chair, she was informed of an unresolved HR/staffing issue that had come to the board’s attention, but did not comment further.
In a notice from RTÉ, it was stated that all agreed-upon settlement remunerations will accord with the broadcaster’s legal responsibilities, the workers’ individual employment entitlements, and align with the Comptroller and Auditor General guidelines. Until the process mentioned by the RTÉ board chairman is completed, RTÉ is refraining from further commentary.