Breda O'Keeffe rte

Controversy Surrounding Former RTÉ CFO Breda O'Keeffe's €450,000 Exit Payment

A detailed look at the calls for Breda O'Keeffe to repay her substantial exit payment from RTÉ and the reactions from key figures.

The controversy surrounding former RTÉ Chief Financial Officer Breda O'Keeffe and her €450,000 exit payment has sparked a heated debate. The chair of the Public Accounts Committee has urged her to repay the sum, citing a 'moral obligation.' RTÉ's decision to award such a significant redundancy package to O'Keeffe in 2020 has come under scrutiny.

During an RTÉ media committee hearing, executives and board members faced questioning regarding the Toy Show the Musical and voluntary exit scheme payments. Director-General Kevin Bakhurst confirmed the hefty exit package given to O'Keeffe. The news of the payment has raised concerns about financial management within the broadcaster.

Calls for O'Keeffe to return the €450,000 have intensified, with Minister for Media and Tánaiste also urging for a review of exit packages for senior executives. The situation escalated when a McCann Fitzgerald report revealed details of the voluntary exits signed off by former Director General Dee Forbes.

Despite legal threats and strong messages from RTÉ officials, the demand for O'Keeffe to repay the substantial sum grows. The public awaits further developments regarding the tax implications and accountability in this high-profile case.