Minister Catherine Martin has announced an independent "root and branch" investigation into the breaking scandals concerning RTÉ over the past two weeks, calling the revelations "an affront to everything public service broadcasting is meant to stand for."

After meeting with the Cabinet and other relevant parties like trade groups and unions, Martin announced today that the investigation will have two strands, each overseen by a team of three experts.

The first strand will focus on failures of corporate governance at RTÉ. It will be led by the Chair of the Garda Audit and Risk Committee, Niamh Brennan, Dr. Margaret Cullen, Governance Advisor at the Institute of Directors in Ireland, and a third person to be named in the coming days.

The second strand of the investigation concerns contractor fees, HR, and other concerns about the culture at RTÉ, with a particular focus on gender disparities in pay, and allegations of bullying at the company. The second strand will be led by Chair of NCI's governing body Brendan McGinty, and trade unionist Patricia King, and a third person to be named in the near future.

Catherine Martin said she expects the review to take approximately six months to conclude, but added she has reserved the right to expand the terms of reference should more issues come to light.

"I will also invoke my powers under section 109(7)(a) of the Broadcasting Act to appoint a forensic accountant to examine the books or other records of account of RTÉ in respect of any financial year or other period," she said.

She confirmed the first focus of the forensic accountants will be to examine the barter account. The barter account has been the subject of controversy after Commercial Director Geraldine O'Leary told the Oireachtas last week it was used for a U2 concert in Croke Park, a trip to the Rugby World Cup final in Japan, and an outing at the luxurious K Club among other purchases in the name of client relations.

The Minister added that she "would expect change for the better at the end of this review," adding, "This is about protecting public service broadcasting, but making sure it is something we can trust."

The Green Party cabinet member confirmed she is coordinating with the incoming Director General of RTÉ, Kevin Backhurst to ensure the necessary information is gathered throughout each of the ongoing investigations.

The independent review announced today remains separate from the independent Grant Thornton reviews commissioned by the RTÉ board in March.

The findings of the first Grant Thornton report into payment irregularities covering the period of 2017 to 2019 was the subject of two Oireachtas committee hearings last week.

The second Grant Thornton report covering the period of 2020 to 2022 is expected to conclude in the next five weeks, according to current Chair of the board Siún Ní Raghallaigh.

Minister Martin did not comment explicitly on Dee Forbes failure to appear before the Oireachtas last week, but said, "Everyone who can shed light on this and can help the healing process should do so."

The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport, and Media will meet again on the July 4 to continue questioning of RTÉ executives that took place last week. The hearing will begin at 1:30 and can be streamed live on the Oireachtas website here.