Report highlights serious failings in governance oversight at RTÉ - Smyth

A local TD has expressed concern over the lack of oversight from the RTE board around the financial plan for Toy Show the Musical.

Deputy Niamh Smyth was speaking following the publication of a Grant Thornton review which looked into the reasons why Toy Show the Musical made a €2.2 million loss for the broadcaster.

The local Fianna Fáil TD chair of the Oireachtas Committee that has led the investigation into the controversies surrounding RTÉ.

"The report highlights serious failings in governance oversight, financial management and appropriate control procedures in relation to this project," said Deputy Smyth.

"The distortion of figures and the withholding of information from the RTÉ board on how the project was developing is astonishing and completely inappropriate.

"The report further highlights what appears to have been a dysfunctional relationship between the Executive and the Board in RTÉ at that time.

"It is my priority, and that of my colleagues in Government, to ensure that the public interest is at the core of any decisions made in relation to RTÉ and public service media — a fundamental part of our society and democracy.

"Accountability is now paramount to restore the trust and confidence which is expected of a public service broadcaster."