RTÉ Board not told of decision to set up barter account

New Government reports examining RTÉ have found poor governance at the organisation where the culture also needs to be improved.

The three reports are expected to go to Cabinet next week ahead of an anticipated decision before the summer on the future funding of public service media.

The reports contain some criticism of previous external auditors but found that no one gained personally from RTÉ’s controversial barter account.

The reviews show that the RTÉ Board was not told about the decision to establish the barter account and most of the funds within it were used for corporate entertainment.

There is a recommendation that Government should legislate to provide a more certain funding stream for RTÉ.

There is also a call to change and modernise the oversight structure within the organisation which includes strengthening the Director General’s links with the RTÉ Board.