This is the latest development in the ongoing story.
In a new statement on Friday (23 June), the RTÉ Board has confirmed that Dee Forbes, the Director General for RTÉ, has been suspended from her employment.
The announcement comes after the board on Thursday revealed that presenter Ryan Tubridy’s annual earnings between 2017 and 2022 had been understated by the broadcaster.
The RTÉ Board revealed that Tubridy was paid over €300,000 more during this time than initially declared. It then issued an apology over the matter, describing it as “a serious breach of trust with the public”.
In response, Minister for Media Catherine Martin said she was “extremely concerned” by the details, while the National Union of Journalists described the situation as “a breach of trust unparalleled in the history of RTÉ”.
Tubridy himself, meanwhile, responded to the controversy on Thursday evening, explaining that he was “surprised” by the revelations. He also said he “can’t shed any light” on why RTÉ dealt with his payments in such a manner.
He did not present his radio show on Friday morning.
In its latest statement on the matter, the RTÉ Board confirmed that Forbes was suspended on Wednesday, 21 June, before adding:
“There are processes on-going and RTÉ must be mindful of its legal responsibilities and the rights of individuals.
“RTÉ will not be commenting further on this issue at this time.”
Forbes’s current term as Director General of RTÉ was already scheduled to end next month.
Another figure that has weighed in on the controversy is Tánaiste Micheál Martin. Speaking at an event in Galway on Friday morning, he told RTÉ:
“I do think that we need comprehensive clarity around this, and an explanation as to what transpired.
“This is a breach of trust, in terms of the public presentation of the figures as opposed to the reality of the figures.
“That is serious, particularly because it relates to governance within RTÉ and given its unique role as a public service broadcaster.”
Read more:
- RTÉ understated Ryan Tubridy’s earnings for six years, admits ‘serious breach of trust’
- Ryan Tubridy issues statement responding to RTÉ payment controversy
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