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.The barter account, which came to light last summer amid controversy over payments at the broadcaster, was operated outside of the oversight of the RTÉ finance department.Payments were made to former RTÉ presenter Ryan Tubridy through the barter account in 2022. The use of the barter account meant the cost to RTÉ was more than €230,000.Barter accounts are widely used in the advertising and media sectors. They are intended to allow the recording of services to be exchanged for other services.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.Minister for Media Catherine Martin said she received the two reports on Governance and Culture and HR in RTÉ over the weekend and has been giving them detailed consideration for the last number of days.She also confirmed that she has given the reports to Government party leaders.Speaking in Sligo, Minister Martin said the reports she has received are the ones of most significance because they are the only ones since this crisis emerged that have recommendations.She said they contain recommendations for both RTÉ and the Government and it would be her hope that the recommendations would be implemented.The reports will be published as soon as they go to Cabinet, she said, but no decision has been made on when they will be brought to Cabinet.Ms Martin added that she will be discussing that with the leaders in the coming days.
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