RTE’s ‘credibility when it comes to seeking State funding’ question by Media Committee [Video]

The head of the Oireachtas Media Committee has expressed serious concerns about RTÉ’s response to the “bogus” self-employment contracts scandal and questioned the station’s credibility when it comes to State funding, writes John Drennan.

The Department of Social Protection’s Scope unit is investigating claims that almost 700 workers were improperly hired on a contractual basis.

RTÉ has publicly apologised for the scandal, which resulted in hundreds of workers being denied pension and maternity leave rights.

However, affected employees have privately accused the broadcaster of taking “a threatening and legalistic position” when they sought to “regularise their position”.

In another embarrassing development for the crisis plagued station, the matter will be prioritised by the Media Committee when it meets with RTÉ unions on Wednesday to discuss “culture and governance issues”.

It comes amid growing frustration among RTÉ employees over the much-delayed reports into corporate governance at the national broadcaster.

Media Committee chairwoman Niamh …