The revelation that RTÉ had to write-down €3.6 million after a failed IT project highlights the urgent need to bring the national broadcaster under the remit of the Comptroller and Auditor General, according to Social Democrats TD Aidan Farrelly.
Deputy Farrelly, who will sit on the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), said:
“This latest waste of public money has only come to light because of the recent controversy surrounding the Arts Council’s abandoned €6.7 million IT system. This led to Minister Patrick O’Donovan ordering a review of all capital projects under the aegis of his department valued at €500,000 or more since 2020.
“Even though the sums written-down by RTÉ were included in their annual accounts, specific details of the failed IT scheme were only revealed to the Minister after the review got underway this year.
“Despite getting a bailout of €725 million from the taxpayer, this latest spending scandal highlights the legacy of watery financial controls and poor governance at RTÉ.
“I will be calling for senior figures at the station to appear before PAC and provide a full explanation for what went wrong with this failed project. It is unfortunate that the settlement between RTÉ and the IT service provider is covered by a confidentiality clause, as this is one area that requires further scrutiny.
“In this case, it appears that RTÉ paid a very high price by going for the cheapest option.
“I previously asked the Taoiseach when the amended Broadcasting Bill will be finalised, as one of its key measures will be to bring RTÉ within the scope of the Comptroller and Auditor General. I have repeated this call to the Minister this morning.
“I believe that many of the financial controversies at the broadcaster could have been avoided if it had been under the watch of the C&AG’s office sooner.”
May 1, 2025