In fulfilment of a recommendation by the Government’s Expert Advisory Committee, and as part of RTÉ’s New Direction strategy, RTÉ is seeking expressions of interest from candidates for on-air presenting roles on RTÉ Radio 1 as well as presentation roles for RTÉ News & Current Affairs.

RTÉ Radio 1 is the most-listened-to radio station in Ireland. As a centre of excellence in public service media, RTÉ Radio 1’s wide range of award-winning programmes sets the standard for quality, variety and popular appeal in Irish radio. RTÉ News & Current Affairs is the largest provider of independent and trusted news and current affairs content in Ireland across television, radio and online platforms.

We would like to hear from presenters interested in areas including news, current affairs, general speech programming, entertainment, sport, music and the arts. A long-list of potential presenters in each of the areas outlined will be created as a result of this process and will be refreshed every two years.

When a presenting role becomes available this longlist will be used as part of the process to identify suitable candidates. A shortlist will be created using a weighted criteria suitable for the specific role.

RTÉ Radio 1 currently has a role available for a presenter of Liveline. RTÉ News and Current Affairs also has a vacancy for a Presenter with an initial assignment in radio news programmes and podcasting.

Those shortlisted will be required to enter a further selection process for specific roles. The details of this process will be communicated at the appropriate time but may include interview and/or piloting.

Cuirfear fáilte roimh iarratais ó dhaoine go bhfuil dearcadh dearfach acu i leith na Gaeilge. Applications are welcome from people who have a positive outlook to Irish.

Diversity and Inclusion are at the heart of what we do – both on-air and behind the scenes. We are committed to building a more inclusive environment and tackling under-representation while embedding inclusion at every stage of the employee journey.

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, without regard to gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, social experience, race and ethnicity, disability, civil and family status, religious belief and membership of the Traveler Community.

If you are interested in any of these opportunities, please submit your cover letter, CV and a showreel (Max 10 mins) specifying your area(s) of interest to rte.ie/vacancies by Friday 4 July 2025.

ENDS

For Information:
Maureen Catterson | RTÉ Communications Manager TV, Radio and Online |
maureen.catterson@rte.ie |

Laura Fitzgerald | RTÉ Communications Manager News & Current Affairs
| laura.fitzgerald@rte.ie |

RTÉ Commercial has today announced Mercedes-Benz Ireland as the car partner of The Traitors Ireland, coming to RTÉ One and RTÉ Player in the Autumn.

Mercedes-Benz Ireland partnered with The Traitors Ireland production to position six graphite grey Mercedes-Benz GLC SUVs for the duration of filming, delivering a luxurious travel experience for the contestants to and from Missions at the show’s iconic setting of Slane Castle, Co. Meath. The sponsorship agreement will see the Mercedes-Benz GLC SUVs prominently featured in each episode of the series. When the contestants are being driven between Missions, the backseat of the Mercedes-Benz GLC provides a perfect space for secret plotting and formulating new strategies.

Filming recently concluded on the Irish version of the hit series that has enthralled audiences around the world, including award-winning versions in the UK, US and the Netherlands. The Traitors Ireland will feature contestants from all around the country, following a national casting call for applications last year.

Stephanie Bell, Head of Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Ireland said: “We are proud to be the official car partner for this exceptional TV show. This partnership reinforces Mercedes-Benz commitment to delivering unparalleled luxury, performance and brand experience, not only on a global scale, but as an integral part of Irish culture. The iconic Mercedes- Benz star is recognised all over the world, so it is wonderful to see it featured in The Traitors Ireland”.

Alex Culligan, Head of Media Sponsorship, Core Sponsorship said: “We could not think of a better partner for The Traitors Ireland than the iconic Mercedes-Benz, a beacon of style and excellence for Irish consumers for generations and fitting for a venue like Slane Castle. The car is seamlessly woven through the narrative of the show, a star in its own right.”

Gavin Deans, Commercial Director, RTÉ said: “Excitement is building around Traitors Ireland ahead of its launch this Autumn on RTÉ. I am delighted that Mercedes-Benz is the official Car Partner of The Traitors Ireland. The Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV is going to add to the beauty of Slane Castle building the intrigue and excitement to the show.”

Siobhán McSweeney as presenter of The Traitors Ireland will guide viewers through the game, keeping an eagle-eye on the action as contestants fight to stay in the game. 

The nail-biting psychological reality competition sees a group of strangers arrive at a remote castle to play the ultimate game of deception, betrayal and trust, all in the hope of winning up to €50,000. But, hidden amongst them are the Traitors, who will attempt to secretly murder a player every night, without getting caught. It’s up to the others, the Faithfuls, to try to detect who the Traitors are, and banish them from the game, before they become their next victim.

Each day, the group embark on Missions as they work together to add more money to the prize pot. For the lucky ones who survive to the end, they have the chance of winning that life-changing cash, but if a Traitor remains undetected, they’ll steal all the money.

The Traitors Ireland will air on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player in the Autumn.

-ENDS- 

Date:  11 June 2025

Notes to Editor: 

The Traitors Ireland is produced by Kite Entertainment for RTÉ.

The Traitors (Dutch title: De Verraders) was created and developed by Marc Pos and IDTV Creative Director Jasper Hoogendoorn in cooperation with RTL Creative Unit. Since its launch in the Netherlands on RTL 4 in 2021, the format has proved its international appeal with over 30 versions and numerous returning seasons. Hit international adaptations of the format include the Emmy winning US version for NBC Universal’s streaming service Peacock and BBC One’s BAFTA winning version in the UK, which drew in 8 million viewers for the season 2 finale. The US versions will return for a third, fourth and fifth season and the UK version has been commissioned for a fourth season and celebrity version.

A multi-award-winning ratings hit, The Traitors was recently named as K7’s format of the year in 2024 and the format was awarded C21’s International Format Award for Best Host of a Television Format. Previously the Dutch version De Verraders received the Rose d’Or award “Golden Rose” for Best Reality and Factual Entertainment.

For further information please contact:
Sharon Sorohan, RTÉ Communications, Sharon.sorohan@rte.ie

– Family described their shock and distress at seeing footage of their father being roughly handled at Beneavin Manor nursing home

– “There’s no accountability for this”

– Call on Government to move urgently to enact  vital law which could protect vulnerable individuals like their father from harm, abuse and neglect

– “I want to be assured that the HIQA reports actually substantiate what they’re saying but at the moment I don’t believe them”

The family of a vulnerable resident who appeared in last week’s RTÉ Investigates undercover documentary into standards of care at facilities run by Ireland’s largest provider of private nursing homes have called for accountability for their father and other residents affected by the scandal.

In an interview to be broadcast on RTÉ Prime Time tonight, the Guy family from Dublin have described their shock and distress at seeing footage of their father Audeon being roughly handled at the Beneavin Manor nursing home in Glasnevin.

“No one should have to go through what we’ve seen,” Paul Guy told RTÉ Investigates. “No one should be handled like our father was. These are human people – people who lost their dignity and no one should have to go through that.”

The documentary, which featured two nursing homes – Beneavin Manor and The Residence Portlaoise – are both run by private company Emeis Ireland. Undercover footage gathered by two RTÉ healthcare assistants found a litany of repeated care failings including chronic staff shortages, vulnerable residents left unsupervised, the inappropriate handling of frail older people and a lack of basic supplies such as towels, bedsheets, gloves and sanitary wipes.

“Our dad is the loveliest man” said Sarah Guy, daughter of 80-year-old Audeon. “He’d do anything for you, really kind, loving, charitable and a big hugger.”

Following a bad fall late last year, Audeon was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia which causes severe confusion and hallucinations. Unable to return home, Paul, Sarah and their other siblings Kassandra and Dave began the search for a suitable nursing home for their father. They turned to the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA), and spent days sifting through the regulator’s nursing home inspection reports.

“I think there were 17 nursing home we applied for, and we went through all the HIQA reports for every nursing home,” Paul said. “For Beneavin Manor we read the reports, and it seemed to be a very safe place to go. We looked at the brochures, I went and did the tour. It seemed to be fine.”

Reassured, the Guy family made their choice, and their father Audeon moved into Beneavin Manor in January 2025 where he was assigned one-to-one care. But before long they started to have concerns.

“He was actually left alone many times,” Paul explained. “I have examples of him sitting on his own in the corridor ripping up pieces of paper which was meant to be some form of activity. I’ve witnessed really poor personal care in terms of his toenails left for weeks to grow and rot.”

“On another day there was urine all over the floor in his bathroom and there was no toilet seat. It just seemed to be a consistent flow of poor care for people who are in dire need of attention.”

Worried about what they were seeing, Paul and his siblings started to make complaints to management at the nursing home. Their emails referenced concerns about a general lack of carers and residents being left alone. The family had also seen residents who wanted to use the toilet being left unattended for lengthy periods of time, while they were worried their father had on occasion been inappropriately handled and sometimes did not have enough clothes because his laundry had not been done.

In early March 2025 their detailed complaint was upheld with management at Beneavin Manor assuring the family corrective actions had been put in place to address their concerns.

Yet three weeks later, RTÉ’s undercover carer captured disturbing footage including their father, Audeon Guy. In the scene he is directed along a corridor at pace to his bedroom by two carers to change his incontinence pad. The carers steered his walking frame while one held the waist of his trousers. Confused Audeon lashed out before being forced into his room, his trousers pulled down and pushed into an armchair.

“When I saw the actual footage, I was shocked, but it wasn’t a revelation” Paul said. “That’s what is unfortunate. We had done everything. We put in all the complaints, notified everyone that was required, got responses back, acknowledgement of all their mistakes, plans being put in place, and this still happened, and it happened to all the other people in the footage as well. That’s the bigger issue – there’s no accountability for this.”

RTÉ Investigates: Inside Ireland’s Nursing Homes is available to watch on the RTE Player.

– ENDS –

Date: Tuesday, 10 June 2025

Images: See included and available upon request. All usage should be credited RTÉ Investigates
Top – Audeon Guy smiling in 2024
Middle – RTÉ undercover footage of Audeon Guy being directed along a corridor at pace by two carers in Beneavin Nursing Home, while one held the waist of his trousers.
Below – Paul Guy, son of nursing home resident Audeon Guy speaking to RTÉ
Below – Family members (L-R Paul, Sarah, Kassandra, Dave and their father Audeon Guy in happier times)

Notes to Editors:

Tonight’s report and original documentary is by RTÉ Investigates Deputy Editor Aoife Hegarty and producer Lucy Kennedy

The trailer for RTÉ Investigates: Inside Ireland’s Nursing Homes is available to embed online https://youtu.be/KbhnZJJAqEU

For further information please contact:
Laura Fitzgerald, Communications Manager, RTÉ News & Current Affairs, Laura.Fitzgerald@rte.ie

Monday 9 June, 8pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player 

Hip hop duo Tebi Rex, Kíla’s Rónán Ó Snodaigh, John Spillane and Eve Belle among mentors 

Promo: An Ghig Mhór

An Ghig Mhór, a new RTÉ series that celebrates the joy of putting on your first big hometown gig will air from Monday 9 June, 8pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.

In each episode, a renowned Irish musician mentors an up-and-coming band and helps them to organise their first big gig in their hometown. From the sitting room to the stage, the series follows the bands as they attempt to find a venue, sell tickets and deliver the performance of a lifetime. An Ghig Mhór provides a platform to new emerging Irish bands and shines a light on the hard work, creativity and dedication that goes into putting on your own gig.

From Donegal to Kilkenny, the series showcases a different town and band each week. Folk singer John Spillane (above) will share his expertise with The Donny’s, a five-piece rock band from Kilkenny. Singer-songwriter Eve Belle from Gaoth Dobhair, Donegal will work with fellow Gaoth Dobhair singer Hannah Mc Fadden, and her band Hannah B. Kíla’s Rónán Ó Snodaigh will mentor band Leevy from the Múscraí Gaeltacht in Cork, who perform a unique blend of folk-rock and punk with traditional Irish undertones.

Krea, a former member of Wyvern Lingo will guide all-female punk rockers The Hex from Lexlip, Kildare. Hip-hop duo Tebi Rex (below) will mentor Conamara rock band Na hEasógaí. The band fuse their own sean nós Conamara style with rock and contemporary influences. Finally, singer and guitarist Síomha will advise Coolboy, a four-piece rock band from Laois. Each band has their own unique sound and performs in English and Irish.

Every band wants to headline Slane, or sell-out Croke Park, but the first step on that ladder is performing your first big gig in your hometown. An Ghig Mhór offers a platform to the next generation of Irish musical talent, with their mentors, family, friends and their home communities encouraging them every step of the way.

Episode one of An Ghig Mhór will air on Monday 9 June, 8pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player. 

-ENDS- 

IMAGES:https://we.tl/t-8VR7cmKoEp

For More Information: 

Éadaoin Nic Giolla Chomhaill, Ceannasaí Cumarsáide,eadaoin.nicgiolla@rte.ie,

AnGhig Mhór is made with the support of the Sound & Vision scheme from Coimisiún na Meán and additional support from IMRO and Gael Linn. The series is produced by 84/Ochtó4 Productions for RTÉ.

84/Ochtó4 Productions is the production company founded by Cian Mac Cárthaigh in 2023. The company specialise in music-based content and programming. In 2024 they produced Kabin Crew’s Christmas Special for RTÉ One, the show went on to win the Best Entertainment award at the 2025 RTS Awards.

Cian Mac Cárthaigh is an award-winning film & radio producer with over ten years of experience producing content for RTÉ and TG4. He is a musician and the founder of IMLÉ – an Irish language music collective who most recently had their song Peacach used as the theme music to the international Netflix series BODKIN.

Stuart Carolan and Chris Addison team up on darkly comedic drama starring Ella Lily Hyland, Aidan Gillen, Phillipa Dunne and Packy Lee

From top left to right: Ella Lily Hyland, Aidan Gillen, Philippa Dunne.
 Packy Lee, Stuart Carolan, Chris Addison

– Experts condemn leading private nursing home care provided referring to instances as “neglect” and “abuse”

Two leading doctors in gerontological care have described as shocking and disturbing undercover footage to be revealed in an RTÉ Investigates documentary tonight examining standards of care in several residential facilities owned by Ireland’s largest provider of private nursing homes.

The company at the centre of the allegations, Emeis Ireland – previously known as Orpea – has apologised to residents and their families for the distress caused by the failings identified in the RTÉ report, saying it has launched an in-depth review to immediately address all issues identified.

The investigation which focuses on two nursing homes – The Residence Portlaoise and Beneavin Manor in Glasnevin in north Dublin – uncovered multiple examples of care failings and neglect of vulnerable older residents.

“This is going to shorten people’s lives and the lives that they have will be more miserable because of the situation that they’re in, ”said Consultant Geriatrician Prof David Robinson. “It’s abuse – there’s no other word for it.”

Following detailed concerns raised by several whistleblowers, RTÉ Investigates had two undercover researchers simultaneously apply for and secure healthcare assistant roles at the Emeis homes. They both had all the required qualifications and were garda vetted by RTÉ.

At The Residence Portlaoise, where up to 101 residents can be accommodated at a weekly cost of approximately €1,200 per week under the Fair Deal scheme, RTÉ did witness some staff provide good care but more often saw repeated instances of staff shortages impacting daily resident care. The Fair Deal scheme is a state support system that helps cover the cost of nursing home care in Ireland, based on a person’s income and assets.

This included large groups of residents being congregated together in day rooms, vulnerable older people being left unsupervised resulting in resident falls and day-to-day requests going unattended to for lengthy periods of time such as pleas to be put to bed or use the toilet.

“What we’re looking at is largely institutional abuse and this is neglect in a setting which is supposed to be caring,” said Prof Robinson.

RTÉ’s undercover carer also witnessed multiple examples of poor manual handling with older residents frequently lifted under the arms and without the required use of proper handling equipment contrary to best practice. On some occasions staff were hampered by a lack of available equipment, while in one instance management also instructed healthcare assistants not to use hoisting equipment in public areas for fear their poor technique would be seen by visitors.

Prof Rónán Collins Consultant Geriatrician said:  “In healthcare what causes burnout is people who go to work and come home day after day feeling frustrated because they’re unable to provide the level of care they knew they should be providing or wanted to provide”.

In Beneavin Manor, in Dublin, which can provide care for up to 115 adults for approximately €1,400 per week with Fair Deal funding, another RTÉ researcher saw similar patterns of staff under pressure. Staff also faced constant challenges when it came to the supply of essential resources with recurring shortages of basic items such as towels, bedsheets, sanitary wipes and gloves.

“It’s pretty shocking to be honest with you, ”Prof Rónán Collins said. “Really one would have to ask in terms of supply chains why staff don’t have access to the equipment to do their job appropriately?”

At Beneavin Manor, RTÉ also witnessed the inappropriate handling of vulnerable residents with frail older people sometimes moved by their clothing instead of using the correct handling equipment mandated in their care plans.

“There’s no regard for the person, ”Prof David Robinson said on seeing RTÉ’s footage.

Another expert, Prof Amanda Phelan,  School of Nursing, DCU asks: “How can staff work under those sorts of conditions? It’s very, very challenging.”

Having witnessed repeated poor practices, RTÉ Investigates had both researchers hand in their notice and report all their concerns to management at the nursing homes and to the regulatory body, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA). HIQA told RTÉ both The Residence Portlaoise and Beneavin Manor have set out compliance plans to address issues at their homes with reports from recent inspections of both centres currently being finalised.

In a statement, Emeis Ireland said the evidence of poor care delivery, improper moving and handling of residents, and a lack of dignity and breaches of residents’ rights are deeply distressing, adding that it does not tolerate any individual or systemic neglect or practices. Offering its sincere apologies, the company said this is not the standard of care they expect and not what residents and their families deserve. It is also to review staffing allocations at both The Residence Portlaoise and Beneavin Manor.

Watch RTÉ Investigates: Inside Ireland’s Nursing Homes tonight, Wednesday 4 June at 9:35pm on RTÉ One and RTE Player.

– ENDS –

Date: Wednesday, 4 June 2025

Notes to Editors:

The documentary is by RTÉ Investigates reporter Aoife Hegarty and producer Lucy Kennedy

The trailer for RTÉ Investigates: Inside Ireland’s Nursing Homes is available to embed online https://youtu.be/KbhnZJJAqEU

Every year, RTÉ supports approximately 170 arts and cultural events all over Ireland through the RTÉ Supporting the Arts scheme. Spanning film, music, dance, opera, festivals, literature, theatre and exhibitions, and with dedicated promotion on RTÉ’s television, radio and digital services, and extensive support across RTÉ’s social channels, the RTÉ Supporting the Arts scheme provides a lifeline to Ireland’s creative and cultural sectors.

To find out more information about RTÉ Supporting the Arts and to apply, click here and here.

Find out what’s happening near you on www.rte.ie/culture.

ENDS

For information:

Neil O’Gorman | Corporate Communications Manager, RTÉ | E: neil.ogorman@rte.ie

RTÉ is pleased to announce the appointment of David Crean as Head of Drama, following an external competition.

After an earlier career as a director and a producer, David joined RTÉ as a development executive in the drama department in 2007. Currently working as RTÉ’s Acting Head of Drama, David has developed and executive produced with a range of co-production partners a slate of successful drama series, such as Taken Down, Hidden Assets, Smother, The Gone, KIN and The Boy That Never Was. David also developed all five series of Love/Hate with Stuart Carolan and Steve Matthews.

As Head of Drama, David is responsible for a slate of original Irish drama which this year promises to deliver 142 hours of high-quality, homegrown storytelling across screens in Ireland and around the world, firmly placing great local Irish drama on the international stage.

Some new and returning dramas in production for RTÉ in 2025 include Fair City, Hidden Assets Series 3, The Walsh Sisters, These Sacred Vows, The Dry Series 3, Obituary Series 2, Sisters Series 2 and Storyland.

RTÉ’s Drama team collaborates with a number of national and international co-production partners. This significant level of original RTÉ drama production represents a sizable investment in Irish talent, culture and the broader creative economy. Collectively, these dramas will employ over 1,800 people including scriptwriters, directors, producers, actors, hair and make-up teams, wardrobe and various other creative talents, underpinning RTÉ’s commitment to ongoing investment in the Irish creative economy and the independent production sector.

Speaking about David’s appointment RTÉ’s Director of Video, Steve Carson said, “I’m delighted that David is taking the reins as Head of Drama, a crucial genre for us in serving Irish audiences on TV and the RTÉ Player. He has an impressive track record in developing new ideas and creative talent, and under his leadership our audiences can look forward to an RTÉ drama slate with real range and ambition.”

David Crean said, “It is an honour to appointed as the RTÉ Head of Drama as we have recently announced an unprecedented slate of original Irish drama in production which will deliver 142 hours of high-quality, homegrown storytelling across screens in Ireland and around the world this year with plenty more planned commissions to come. I’m really looking forward to collaborating with our brilliant broadcast partners to bring these amazing series of Irish storytelling to audiences, firmly placing great local Irish drama on the international stage.”

ENDS

Date: Tuesday 3rd June 2025

RTÉ Communications: Maureen Catterson

RTÉ Commercial has announced laya healthcare, as the new sponsor of 2FM Breakfast with Carl, Roz & Aisling.

Hosted by Carl Mullan, Roz Purcell and Aisling Bonner, 2FM’s three-hour breakfast show has everything to get the day started with great music, comedy sketches, competitions, giveaways and always guaranteed laughs.

Brokered by Mindshare Ireland, the 12-month 2FM sponsorship includes 10 x 10-second sponsor-credited stings per show, sponsor-credited promos across the 2FM seven-day schedule, promotions, outside broadcasts, listen-back and homepage sponsorship.

Rebecca Trevor, Head of Marketing and Consumer Sales, laya healthcare said:
“We’re delighted to team up with Carl, Roz and Aisling on 2FM Breakfast for this exciting new partnership. There’s a natural synergy between the energy of the show and what we stand for at laya healthcare – being there for our members when they need us, with faster, more accessible care. The show’s upbeat, feel-good start to the day mirrors our commitment to looking after people always. We’re really looking forward to what’s ahead with the brilliant 2FM Breakfast team.”

Tara Farrell, Sponsorship Manager RTÉ Radio said:
“Following the latest JNLR results, RTÉ 2FM remains the most-popular radio station in the country for 15 to 34-year-olds. With 148,000* listeners tuning in every morning, we are delighted to welcome laya healthcare back to 2FM as our brand new sponsor of 2FM Breakfast.”

Kate O’Leary, Managing Partner, Mindshare Ireland said:
“We were seeking a standout partnership to match laya healthcare’s ethos of always being there for its members – a breakfast show is one of the most trusted and consistent ways for listeners to start their day, making it an ideal platform to align with. Laya healthcare’s sponsorship of 2FM Breakfast is an exciting opportunity for the brand to connect with a national audience at high frequency on a daily basis, providing a powerful platform in a highly competitive category.”

-Ends-
Date:   Sunday, 1 June 2025
 
Image captions:
Top –  Back: Carl Mullan. Front (L-R): Roz Purcell, Rebecca Trevor, Elaine Murphy and Aisling Bonner.
Bottom – Back (L-R) Elaine Murphy, Rebecca Trevor. Front (L-R): Carl Mullan, Roz Purcell, Aisling Bonner and Emma Butler.

Image credit: Andres Poveda

RTÉ Communications:  Caoilinn Putti

Notes to Editor:
Laya healthcare is part of the AXA Group, a worldwide leader in insurance and asset management, with 145,000 employees serving 93 million clients in 51 countries. As Europe’s number one health insurance provider, AXA shares laya’s commitment to helping businesses move to a healthier future.

Laya Healthcare Limited, trading as laya healthcare and laya life, is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

Source: JNLR/ Ipsos MRBI 2025-1*

RTÉ Investigates: Inside Ireland’s Nursing Homes | RTÉ – YouTube

RTÉ will broadcast an RTÉ Investigates documentary with undercover footage relating to standards of care at a nursing home group with locations in the midlands and Dublin this coming week, in a change to schedules.

Following detailed concerns raised by several whistleblowers, RTÉ Investigates has for a number months been investigating a leading private nursing home group in Ireland, as part of a special documentary, RTÉ Investigates – Inside Ireland’s Nursing Homes due to air this Wednesday 04 June at 9.35pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player. It will show systematic failings, putting undue pressure on staff to care for numerous residents and patients.

RTÉ Investigates liaised with independent experts, and findings have been reported by RTÉ researchers to HIQA, and the local nursing home management where applicable and in line with expert advice. The findings of the investigation have been shared with the private nursing home group and RTÉ has offered them due right of reply. Rigid production and editorial standards have been observed under the guidance of RTÉ’s own journalism guidelines.

20 years ago, Prime Time Investigates exposed shocking conditions and work practices in the private Leas Cross Nursing Home in Swords in north Dublin. The neglect of vulnerable residents at the facility caused public outcry. A Commission of Investigation followed which made a series of recommendations. The scandal prompted a national debate with political promises of reform in the sector.

Almost two decades on, Ireland has an aging population. In the next decade it’s projected the numbers of those living to 65 years and over will increase by over 50%. We are living for longer but how well do we provide for our older and most vulnerable citizens?

The RTÉ Investigates documentary features the reactions of professional experts in this field who have seen some of the undercover footage filmed by RTÉ.

Professor Rónán Collins, Consultant Geriatrician said: “The whole episode of care in relation to this man is really quite distressing.  I can’t say anymore how much it goes against every gerontological principle that I hold dear” 

Professor David Robinson told RTÉ Investigates that it showed “systemic and institutional lack of consideration for the older person”.

“This is going to shorten peoples lives and their lives will be more miserable.”

Watch RTÉ Investigates: Inside Ireland’s Nursing Homes, this Wednesday night at 9.35pm on RTÉ One and RTE Player.

– ENDS –

Date: Saturday, 31 May 2025

Notes to Editors:

In an ongoing process, the RTÉ Investigates team are liaising with families of those directly involved.

Further information in relation to the programme will be released closer to broadcast.

RTÉ Communications: Laura Fitzgerald