Dee Forbes

RTÉ Shake-Up: Dee Forbes Under Fire for Exit Packages

Discover the controversy surrounding RTÉ's former DG Dee Forbes and the questionable exit packages she signed off on. Find out more here!

Dee Forbes, the former Director General of RTÉ, is under scrutiny for her involvement in approving controversial exit packages for high-ranking officials at the broadcaster. Questions have arisen regarding Forbes' decision-making processes, particularly in the case of the Chief Financial Officer's 'golden handshake' package. Current RTÉ Director General Kevin Bakhurst confirmed that Forbes authorized the exit package without full compliance, leading to a wave of criticism and internal discontent among RTÉ staff.

The recent reports on RTÉ's 2017 and 2021 redundancy schemes revealed a lack of proper oversight and approval processes, with Forbes at the center of the storm. The investigation by legal firm McCann FitzGerald found discrepancies in the approval of exit packages, highlighting a breakdown in governance within the organization. Minister for Media Catherine Martin condemned the findings, stating that they reflect an 'appalling disregard for fairness and transparency.'

One of the most significant revelations was that the exit package for the former RTÉ finance chief, Breda O'Keeffe, was not approved in accordance with the established protocols. This case, among others, underscores the need for a thorough review of RTÉ's financial and decision-making structures to prevent similar issues in the future. As calls mount for transparency regarding the total costs of these controversial packages, the broadcaster faces increased pressure to address the concerns and restore confidence both internally and externally.

In a striking turn of events, RTÉ staff members expressed outrage at the meeting discussing the report's findings, highlighting the widespread discontent and frustration within the organization. The ongoing crisis at RTÉ continues to unfold, with each new report shedding light on the challenges facing the broadcaster and the urgent need for reforms in governance and financial management. The fallout from these revelations may have long-lasting implications for RTÉ's reputation and operations, emphasizing the importance of accountability and transparency in public institutions.