RTÉ presenter Marty Morrissey has apologised for an "error of judgement" in relation to an "ad hoc" arrangement with Renault in which he had the use of a car for a number of years.
In a statement, Mr Morrisey, who is also RTÉ's Gaelic Games Correspondent, said he had returned the car on Friday 23 June.
He then informed management on Tuesday of this week that he had done so. Therefore, when Interim Deputy Director General Adrian Lynch informed the Oireachtas Committee on Media on Wednesday that the car had been handed back on Tuesday, he was referring to the fact that RTÉ had been informed on Tuesday.
Mr Morrissey said that in 2017 he was asked to MC a series of functions in Renault garages across the country, which involved interviewing high-profile GAA personalities.
He said he was granted permission by RTÉ to do so. He said he did not seek a fee and was offered the use of a car, which he accepted.
Mr Morrissey said the situation continued informally over a number of years and he acted as MC at around 12 events.
He said: "I saw it as GAA-related, interacting with former players who I knew well. Many of the GAA-related engagements I do, I do at no cost.
"As I hadn't sought a fee, Renault offered me the use of a car. I accepted this offer. The situation carried over informally for a number of years. I ended up MC-ing about 12 such events."
Mr Morrissey said that since the recent controversy within RTÉ arose, he had reflected on the matter.
"I concluded that it had been an error of judgement on my part to accept the use of the car. I returned it voluntarily to Renault on Friday 23 June," he said.
He added: "Like many RTÉ staff and contractors, I was this week asked to supply RTÉ with information about any commercial engagements, gifts and potential conflicts of interest. I did this and made full disclosure of this matter to RTÉ."
Mr Morrissey said he has "never been appointed a brand ambassador for Renault".
"There was no expectation or requirement that I publicly endorse or promote Renault on air, on social media or otherwise while I had the use of a car.
"As far as I was concerned, my use of the car was always a very ad hoc arrangement which did not affect my work with RTÉ," he said.
Mr Morrissey also said the he has "never" had a car allowance from RTÉ.
He said: "I have apologised to RTÉ, my managers and colleagues for any embarrassment or difficulty I have caused them because of this matter.
"I also apologise to any of our viewers and listeners who may feel let down by my actions. It was never my intention to let anyone down, least of all myself."
RTÉ has said that Mr Morrissey will be commentating on the Limerick-Galway All Ireland hurling semi-final on Saturday, and Cork-Kilkenny camogie quarter-final on Sunday.
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Mr Lynch has said "a comprehensive" register of interests of RTÉ staff and contractors is to be developed.
"This process has started and will be completed in the coming weeks. While in the short-term, we are focusing on RTÉ's on-air presenters, the scope of this process will be extended to all RTÉ employees, both staff and contractors to ensure compliance with RTÉ guidelines and contracts.
"It is our intention to make these details public once the register is complete."
When asked if any tax issues had arisen from the supply of a car to a presenter, RTÉ said that was a matter for the individual presenter.
Speaking on RTÉ's Drivetime, Sinn Féin TD John Brady said Mr Morrissey’s statement "exposes again a rotten culture devoid of governance and of proper oversight within RTÉ."
"That comes right from the top of the organisation," he said.
Speaking on the same programme, Fianna Fáil TD Paul McAuliffe said that the development "highlights that in order for RTÉ to have credible editorial independence it needs to be much clearer what the earnings and interests are of those people who are involved in presenting programmes".
However he said that RTÉ did not lose money as part of this arrangement.
RTÉ latest: Marty's car and management reshuffle
