OPENING STATEMENT, INTERIM DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL RTÉ: JOC 05.07.23

Opening Statement, Adrian Lynch, Interim Deputy Director General, RTÉ

I want to state, at the outset, that we are here today to answer your questions to the best of our ability. I am acutely aware of the accusations of drip-feed, of non-cooperation and lack of transparency. We fully respect and understand this public concern, our staff’s concern, and the proper focus on accountability from the members of the Houses of the Oireachtas.

I would like to apologise that, despite our best efforts, it was not possible to circulate many of the documents requested until late last night.  Since the Committee’s list of requests was issued last Friday, staff across the organisation have been working over the past number of days to try and address this extensive list of queries raised by this Committee, along with the additional 31 other queries from the Public Accounts Committee. Several of the issues being explored extend back some years and require additional verification; other matters have legal implications and, as required, external legal counsel advice is being sought.  All of this is being done with the intention that we provide as much information as possible, as early as possible. We remain mindful of the responsibilities of publishing this information, and we are treating the many complex issues arising from this investigation with due respect.

We would also like to put on record to the members of this Committee, our profound regret, that as an Executive Board, the standards of governance on a number of issues was far lower than required. We extend our apology to the public, to our staff, our stakeholders and partners, and to you as public representatives, that our standards of transparency, and professionalism, fell short of what is rightly expected of us.

RTÉ is comprised of extremely hard working, talented and capable people. The current crisis is in no way a reflection on their work, or the high levels of integrity with which they operate. RTÉ has been a valued organisation in Irish life. It has played a critical role in informing our democracy, in supporting the arts, in supporting Ireland’s creative and production sectors, in providing content for children, and for all audiences, in both languages, on radio, on television, and online, for almost 100 years.

A public service media that does not enjoy public trust and confidence is missing its core purpose. We must work together to restore that purpose.

ENDS