The Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD, today obtained Government approval for the appointment of a new Chair for the Board of RTÉ as well as a new member.

The Minister has announced the appointment by Government for terms of 5 years of:

• Siún Ní Raghallaigh, former Chairperson of TG4 as the new Chairperson of RTÉ; and
• Aideen Howard, Director of The Ark Children’s Cultural Centre in Dublin, as a member of the RTÉ Board.

Commenting on the appointments, Minister Martin said: “RTÉ is at the centre of Irish life – informing, educating and entertaining the public – and these appointments come at a time of opportunity and change in the Irish media and broadcasting landscape. Siún Ní Raghallaigh and Aideen Howard bring wide-ranging knowledge and experience which will be central to the evolving strategic direction of RTÉ. I wish both well during their terms and thank them for taking on these important roles.”

The appointments follow a public call for applications on www.Stateboards.ie and an assessment process managed by the Public Appointments Service.

Siún Ní Raghallaigh: Recently retired TG4 Chairperson and Board member. Siún has gained recognition as a leader in the creative sector. She was CEO of Ardmore Studios and Troy Studios until 2020

Aideen Howard: Director of The Ark Children’s Cultural Centre in Dublin. She has worked in theatre and the arts for over two decades as an artistic director, producer and commissioner of new work. Prior to The Ark, Aideen was Literary Director of the Abbey Theatre, founding Director of Mermaid Arts Centre and has worked as literary consultant to Arts Council projects. In 2014 she curated the poetry programme of the Mountains to Sea Festival. Aideen is editor of Irish Shorts: New Plays from The Abbey Theatre. She is a member of the National Campaign for the Arts.

Appointments

In accordance with section 81 of the Broadcasting Act 2009, appointments to the Board of RTÉ are made by Government on the nomination of the Minister.

Total membership of the Board is 12, and the Act provides for nominees to be selected on the following basis:

• 6 nominated by the Minister;
• 4 nominated by the Minister having regard to the advice of the JOC;
• the Director General (ex-officio); and
• an elected staff representative.