Minister for Media Catherine Martin has confirmed the appointment of Terence O'Rourke as the new Chair of the RTÉ Board.The minister said Mr O'Rourke has gained vast experience at executive level having served as Managing Partner with KPMG Ireland as well as serving on the firm's Global Management Team."He also brings a wealth of non-executive board experience, including chairing both Enterprise Ireland and the ESB," she said.The minister plans to meet with the new Chair later this week.Speaking after his appointment, Mr O’Rourke said: "I am honoured to be appointed Chair of the RTÉ Board."RTÉ’s public service role across news, current affairs and beyond is arguably more important today than ever. I look forward to working with the Board and Director General in charting the future for RTÉ, and to working with the minister and Government to establish a stable footing for the organisation."Minister Martin also confirmed the appointment of Terri Moloney, a Human Resources professional, and Dr Neasa Hardiman, an award winning executive producer, director and writer, as members of the Board.The appointment of Mr O'Rourke follows the resignation of former RTÉ chair Siún Ní Raghallaigh after Minister for Media Catherine Martin's appearance on RTÉ Prime Time last month in which she declined to express confidence in her.Ms Martin is facing calls to answer questions in the Dáil over her handling of Ms Ní Raghallaigh's departure.This morning Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said "trust broke down" between Ms Martin and Ms Ní Raghallaigh, adding that he does not believe Ms Ní Raghallaigh's reputation should be tarnished by what has happened.The former chair said in a statement yesterday that she could no longer remain silent on what she termed her "enforced dismissal", which she said "seemed designed to traduce" her reputation.Ms Ní Raghallaigh said in her experience over the last 15 months the Minister for Media had actively taken a hands-off approach and it was untrue that there were scheduled monthly meetings between herself and the minister as had been claimed.Fianna Fáil Senator Malcolm Byrne described this as concerning, while Social Democrats TD Catherine Murphy is requesting the Dáil Business Committee agrees a time for Ms Martin to face Dáil questions.
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