Confidentiality clauses in exit deals for RTÉ executives have been described as "wholly inappropriate" by the chair of the Oireachtas Media Committee, Deputy Niamh Smyth. Director General Kevin Bakhurst and chair of the board Siún Ní Raghallaigh have been summoned to a meeting with Media Minister Catherine Martin today, following further developments over the weekend.
Mr Bakhurst released a statement outlining exit packages for four former executives - but said he couldn't disclose the fee paid to former CFO Richard Collins for legal reasons. Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan-Monaghan, Deputy Niamh Smyth, says confidentiality clauses are not acceptable in the public sector.
"RTÉ in its wisdom and that's in spite of revelations of secrecy and a lack of oversight and unwillingness to go to the board for approval on matters, but to not only come to some sort of an agreement with Mr Collins but to also include in that the confidentiality clause and I think that was wholly inappropriate," said Deputy Smyth.
