RTÉ: Ryan Tubridy paid over €25,000 by RTÉ while off air, PAC told

Story from RTÉ:

Broadcaster Ryan Tubridy was paid €12,500 per month by RTÉ for three months of radio services earlier this year although he was off air for over two of those months following the revelations of secret payments to him.

New documents released by RTÉ to the Dáil's Public Accounts Committee reveal that when Mr Tubridy stepped down from the Late Late Show in May this year, negotiations began on a radio-only contract.

RTÉ told the Committee that Mr Tubridy's agent was unhappy with the fee offered, so pending agreement, then-chief financial officer Richard Collins suggested a short-form contract until either the new season in September or agreement on a new contract.

However negotiations on a new contract ended on 22 June when RTÉ's board published details of secret payments to Mr Tubridy.

Subsequently, RTÉ's new director general Kevin Bakhurst agreed a short-term contract of payments of €12,500 per month for June, July and August.

Mr Tubridy was not broadcasting from 22 June and was not presenting his radio show on RTÉ Radio One for July and August.

Chair of the Public Accounts Committee Brian Stanley asked why RTÉ was compelled to make these payments when he was off air.

"It is a payment for work not done and it illustrates the shoddy contract reached from 2020."

Mr Stanley said the committee would investigate these latest revelations.

In a statement, RTÉ said "As previously confirmed by RTÉ Director-General, Kevin Bakhurst, Ryan Tubridy was paid by RTÉ while off air at RTÉ's request.

"Negotiations regarding a new contract (radio only) ended in August and any fees outstanding were subsequently paid."

A spokesperson for Ryan Tubridy had no comment.

The broadcaster will be taking up a new role with Virgin Radio UK next year.