RTÉ spends almost 500k on external reviews amid the Ryan Tubridy payments controversy

RTÉ has sent a 'large tranche' of documents to the Dáil’s Public Accounts Committee today detailing how many times presenters and staff have appeared on flagship shows since 2017, financial documents and write ups of employees gifts.

Members of the Public Accounts Committee asked a series of questions to RTÉ, including around the cost of various reports and if RTÉ would write to all employees about gifts from 2017 onwards.

The Grant Thornton reports which examined Ryan Tubridy’s earnings figures from 2017 to 2019 and then also his pay between 2020 and 2022 are estimated to set broadcaster back a hefty sum.

In response to the committee, RTÉ said that the series of Grant Thornton reports have cost €493,000 to date with some final invoices outstanding. A separate McCann Fitzgerald investigation is still ongoing.

“The costs are on a per hour basis so we will receive the full charge after the report has been completed,” the broadcaster said.

Committee members also asked whether RTÉ would write to all employees in RTÉ asking them about gifts from 2017, but the broadcaster said this would not be possible

The national broadcaster revealed that they do not plan to ask staff what gifts they have received since 2017 but that the latest details for the top ten earners will be published by the end of this month.

In response to the former request, RTÉ stated that  it would not be feasible as "Firstly, it would not be possible to compel a reply to such correspondence. Secondly, there would be very little confidence in the accuracy and substantiveness of the aggregate answer provided".

It was stated that the broadcaster is currently in the process of setting up a gift register.