A Local TD has criticised RTÉ following allegations that it brought 41 delegates to Prague for Ireland's World Cup qualifier match in Czechia.
The state broadcaster has come under increasing pressure in recent weeks, following revelations about its finances.
Sinn Féin TD Cathy Bennet told the Óireachtas Public Accounts Committee that she is "very concerned" by the situation.
Deputy Bennett highlighted that RTÉ is party to a 2024 agreement with the Government, under which it is set to receive €725 million over a three year period.
According to Deputy Bennet, there should be an audit of RTÉ's accounts.
She said: "In relation to RTÉ sending 41 delegates to the World Cup qualifier match in Czechia. I would like us to write to RTÉ and ask them if this did actually happen. I would be very concerned if it did happen given that RTÉ is party to a 2024 agreement with the Government under which it received €225 million in 2025, €240 million in 2026 and will get €260 million in 2027.
"Every household in the country is paying €160 per year for a TV licence, which is another tax on householders. I ask that we write to RTÉ to ask if this actually did happen. They should be very concerned in relation to this if 41 delegates were sent to a World Cup game in Czechia. How does this qualify? It is not good spending of public funds that have been given to them. We should get a letter back from RTÉ stating whether they did or did not do this.
"I would also be very interested to hear what the Comptroller and Auditor General has to say on why RTÉ is not subject to audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General. Is the Government not ensuring that this happens when €725 million is being given from Government funds to RTÉ over three years?
"I believe that the Comptroller and Auditor General should be auditing the RTÉ accounts. I know there is a directive from the Government and maybe the Comptroller and Auditor General could speak to that please," Deputy Bennett added.
