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'Key' staff interviewed soon in RTÉ exit scheme review

RTÉ has also been advised that it cannot share 'detailed personnel information' with Oireachtas Committees (file image)
RTÉ has also been advised that it cannot share 'detailed personnel information' with Oireachtas Committees (file image)

Those leading the review of RTÉ's 2017 and 2021 voluntary exit schemes are to interview "key current and former employees" in the coming weeks.

An update of the review has been forwarded by RTÉ to the Dáil Public Accounts Committee.

The examination of the two schemes is looking at the "processes that were followed" by RTÉ in "voluntarily exiting 207 employees".

The review has already received a large amount of documents and it is set to be completed by the end of the month.

RTÉ has also been advised that it cannot share "detailed personnel information" with Oireachtas Committees.

The PAC had requested details of RTÉ's top 100 earners, the contract of former Director General Dee Forbes, and information on any exit payments to executives who have left the company.

However, in a letter sent to the PAC, the legal firm Arthur Cox outlined to RTÉ that such a disclosure would "lack a clear lawful basis".

RTÉ bosses, including Director General Kevin Bakhurst, are to appear before the PAC tomorrow morning.

It is expected that TDs will again focus on a video meeting held in May 2020.

At this meeting, the then Director General Dee Forbes agreed to underwrite a €75,000-a-year deal between Renault and former Late Late Show presenter Ryan Tubridy.

RTÉ has previously said it cannot give the PAC a written note taken at that key meeting between Dee Forbes and Mr Tubridy's agent, Noel Kelly, due to legal privilege.

TDs want to know if that reason still stands and they are likely to again request the publication of the note.