Confidentiality clauses over exit deals 'wholly inappropriate', says Media Committee chair

Confidentiality clauses surrounding details of exit deals have been described as "wholly inappropriate" following revelations regarding RTÉ.

Last week, representatives of the national broadcaster again appeared before the Oireachtas Media Committee, where it emerged that RTÉ's former chief financial officer Breda O'Keeffe received an exit package of €450,000.

Ms O'Keeffe's successor, Richard Collins, departed the role in the wake of the payments scandal last year. However, under questioning about the exit packages of various former senior executives, Mr Bakhurst said he could not disclose the details of Mr Collins' deal for legal reasons.

The chair of the Media Committee, Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan-Monaghan Niamh Smyth, lamented the lack of transparency on Monday.

Speaking to Newstalk, Ms Smyth said RTÉ's decision to agree to a confidentiality clause as part of Mr Collins' exit deal was "wholly inappropriate".

Meanwhile, former minister Shane Ross said those who did not attend last week's committee hearing have serious questions to answer.

He added there is precedent for sacking the entire board of RTÉ, as was done in 1972, floating the possibility of a temporary board being appointed in their place.

It is understood Mr Bakhurst and the chair of RTÉ's board, Siún Ní Raghallaigh, have been requested to attend a meeting with Minister for the Media Catherine Martin on Monday following last week's revelations.