Press release
Minister Martin provides update on the ongoing governance reform of RTÉ
From Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media
Published on
Last updated on
The Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin, TD, today (Tuesday 25th June) updated Government on the measures and changes which are underway and planned as part of the governance reforms at RTÉ following publication last month of the reports of the two Expert Advisory Committees which examined a range of matters at RTÉ.
Speaking after Government was briefed on two reform action plans, Minister Martin said:
“Continuing reform of governance and internal controls is paramount in RTÉ’s ongoing efforts to restore the trust which was so badly damaged over the past year. I welcome the work already undertaken by RTÉ, and in particular welcome the further commitments which the Chair and Director General have now given to continue this reform process.”
As required by the Minister, RTÉ prepared an implementation plan which will now be subject to ongoing oversight and monitoring by the Minister’s Department and officials from NewERA. RTÉ have committed to a range of actions at both Board and Executive level, including:
• formalisation of all governance and control processes,
• regular review of procedures and terms of reference for both Board and executive
• a review to determine how best to organise the recommended risk and compliance functions
• Board members ensuring that they are receiving all necessary information from executive
• Regular reviews of Board performance and ensuring any skills gaps on the Board are addressed
• developing a pathway for RTÉ staff to advance as presenters, with commitments to new learning and development opportunities, and
• greater and more meaningful staff engagement and participation.
Minister Martin added:
“The reports of the two Expert Advisory Committees, which I published last month, set out a blueprint through which the internal and external governance and oversight of RTÉ can be strengthened to provide greater assurance to the public. At the same time, the commitments made by RTÉ to reform internal processes and to examine its culture and HR practices will help transform the broadcaster into a more equitable and transparent organisation and employer.”
The Minister also briefed Government on her own Department’s plans to progress the necessary legislative provisions to implement the recommendations of the Expert Advisory Committee on Governance and Culture.
Minister Martin said:
“My Department is preparing legislation which will reform the legislative basis for the governance of RTÉ. The most important reform will be the assignment of the Comptroller and Auditor General as auditor of RTÉ, which will ensure that RTÉ is directly accountable to the Public Accounts Committee. The legislation will also provide for the much needed reform of the funding model for public service media. Now is the time to provide the certainty on future funding which will enable our public service broadcasters to continue to serve Irish audiences.”
Following RTÉ’s acceptance of the recommendations of the two independent reviews and preparation of the detailed implementation plan, Minister Martin also confirmed that her Department was now releasing the first tranche of €20m in interim funding which Government agreed to provide this year. It is intended to release the balance of the funding later in the year, which will be subject to further progress on implementing reforms.