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Media Minister Patrick O’Donovan has requested a report from RTÉ on unapproved pension top-ups as the chair of the public accounts committee said this latest scandal is of "great concern". Eight people, including a former director-general’s widow, have received extra annual payments from the broadcaster of up to €30,000. An internal report compiled by RTÉ’s chief financial officer Mari Hurley highlighting these payments was brought before Cabinet today. In a statement to this paper, RTÉ said these payments weren’t “unorthodox” and were brought to the department as they were previously provided for on RTÉ’s balance sheet. It said following a review it has increased the balance sheet provision for these payments to ensure they are fully provided for. However, after the report was submitted, Minister O’Donovan has requested a full written and oral report from RTÉ on these payments, as there doesn’t seem to be clear justification. An unlisted art asset of €100k that was not recorded as an asset and Eir occupying one acre of the Montrose site without a formal agreement are other issues the minister is seeking answers on. The chair of PAC said these recent payment scandals are of "great concern" and that RTÉ must be brought under the remit of Comptroller and Auditor General. Sinn Féin TD John Brady said: "There is a sense of déjà vu as, two-and-a-half years on from the original payments coming to light, there is yet another slow drip-feed of more so-called ‘unorthodox’ payments. “Despite commitments from government, RTÉ is still not under the control of the C&AG. This is unacceptable, and needs to be addressed." He said there must be "transparency, accuracy and accountability" so the public can have confidence in the national broadcaster. The TD added: “The drip-feed of financial scandals from the organisation over the past number of years has eroded public confidence in RTÉ, and has unfortunately undermined the good work of its journalists. “This is not healthy. It is therefore crucial that the government belatedly acts on its commitment and, without further delay, returns RTÉ to the remit of the C&AG to begin the process of rebuilding public confidence in the organisation." For more of the latest breaking news from the Irish Mirror check out our homepage by clicking here
