Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin has published an interim report by Mazars, the forensic accountant appointed to examine the use of the barter account and any other identified off-balance sheet accounts in RTÉ.

“The report from the forensic accountants again sets out alarming gaps in internal policies, procedures and controls that existed in RTÉ,” said Minister Martin, following a meeting with the Chair of the RTÉ Board and RTÉ Director General earlier today.

The Minister commissioned an independent review into off-balance sheet accounts used by the broadcaster, which states that there were significant gaps in controls and record keeping.

The report also reveals there was a lack of signed contracts between RTÉ and the barter media agencies used and that there was an absence of budgetary reporting for barter account purchases.

“This lack of properly documented policy and procedures for using the account, and an apparent lack of checks and controls over who used it, is not befitting a public service organisation, and cannot be repeated,” added Minister Martin.

A full copy of the report is available here.

In her meeting with RTÉ Chair and Director General this morning, the Minister received further confirmation of changes in policy and practice designed to rebuild trust with staff and the public alike.

“It is also important to say that the first steps have been made to ensure proper controls are put in place. I am re-assured from my conversation with the Chair and DG this morning that genuine change is underway,” she said.