RTÉ approved 106 external activities between April to June of which 50% involved no payment or benefit, according to the broadcaster's latest summary of the Register of External Activities.The summary shows that none of the activities yielded more than €10,000.A total of 29% were within the €1 - €1,000 payment band, while 15% were placed in the €1,001 - €5,000 payment band.Activities in the €5,001 - €10,000 bracket accounted for 6%.The register commenced on 1 February, but these latest figures cover the second quarter of this year.It covers the five divisions of RTÉ and members of staff must comply with the register.External activities are typically 'once-off’ activities, such as launching an event or product and speaking at a conference.RTÉ said that employees who have ongoing business interests that may involve a commercial relationship with a particular brand or entity "have to seek approval for this activity from their line manager"."They may also have to complete a standard Conflict of Interest Form and/or make a return, if applicable, on RTÉ's Register of Interests form if this interest could materially influence them in the performance of their functions for RTÉ," it added.RTÉ Director General Kevin Bakhurst said the core consideration in determining "whether or not to approve" such activities is "centred on RTÉ’s obligation under the broadcasting legislation for impartiality".He said there are people "working with RTÉ who have ongoing business interests" that may involve a commercial relationship with a particular brand or entity."As part of which the person engages in a range of events/activities throughout the year," he said."Individuals who come within this category have a legal and legitimate right to earn an outside income and ongoing commercial arrangements in this category do not necessarily constitute a ‘once-off’ external activity," he added.Mr Bakhurst said the register is "in keeping with my commitment to ensure RTÉ provides greater transparency around external activities".He said: "RTÉ had initially planned to publish summary details including the names but The Data Protection Commission advised RTÉ that in order to publish a public register containing this level of detail, specific legal underpinning in the form of primary or secondary legislation will be required."The commission also advised it would invoke its statutory powers, if publication of the kind outlined above was proposed, in the absence of appropriate legislation."Mr Bakhurst said it is "notable that, once again, half of all approved activities did not involve any payment or benefit"."These are events where those working with RTÉ give freely of their time for charitable, sporting, community, academic and social reasons," he added.
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