Forbes was suspended on Friday, June 23rd, before resigning on Monday, 26th.
Dee Forbes has resigned as RTÉ’s Director General following controversy over undisclosed payments to former The Late Late Show host Ryan Tubridy. Forbes has issued a statement acknowledging her responsibility as “the person ultimately accountable for what happens within the organisation” and resigning with immediate effect.
Presenter Ryan Tubridy was paid a total of €345,000 more than his annual published salary between 2017 and 2022, the RTÉ board said in a statement on Thursday.
As previously reported by IFTN, Forbes was set to step down next month, with former senior BBC News editor Kevin Bakhurst beginning his role as Director General on July 11th.
Minister for Media Catherine Martin has announced an external review of governance and culture at RTÉ.
The broadcaster has been invited to appear before the Oireachtas Committee on Media on Wednesday followed by the Public Accounts Committee on Thursday.
In her statement, former Director General Dee Forbes had the following to say:
"I regret very much the upset and adverse publicity suffered by RTÉ, its staff and the unease created among the public in recent days. As Director General, I am the person ultimately accountable for what happens within the organisation and I take that responsibility seriously. I am tendering my resignation to RTÉ with immediate effect.”
"I am deeply sorry for what has happened and my part in this episode and for that I apologise unreservedly to everyone.”
