More than one car involved? Drip feed of information brings RTÉ crisis into new levels of farce

• Major need to re-affirm RTÉ editorial standards and conflict of interest guidelines.

Labour Arts, Media and Workers’ rights spokesperson Marie Sherlock said the drip feed of information and the statement today by Marty Morrisey throws RTÉ into greater disarray.

Senator Sherlock said:

“This evening we have a statement from Marty Morrisey that brings into question evidence provided by acting DG Adrian Lynch yesterday at the Oireachtas Media Committee.

"Yesterday the DG informed the committee that said car was returned on Tuesday return of the vehicle in question, whereas the RTÉ Sports reporter identified a date in June in his statement.

"Frustratingly, this will generate a frenzy of speculation about what other car deals were agreed and is another sucker punch to staff. What is crucial here is that the drip feed of information and inconsistency of detail brings the RTÉ crisis into a new level of farce.

"This comes after RTÉ chair Siún NÍ Raghallaigh admitted yesterday that she suspects more revelations are to come.

“Incoming DG Kevin Bakhurst made a commitment today to execute a plan of action to move RTÉ out of crisis when he takes up the role next Monday. One of his first acts must be to re-affirm RTÉ editorial standards and conflict of interest guidelines. This must involve staff and management upholding these standards every single day.

“Over the past two weeks, we have learned of a serious absence of accountability and responsibility among some in RTÉ which is deeply shocking and damaging to RTÉ."