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05th Jul 2023

RTÉ employee returns ‘on loan’ car after five years

Rory Fleming

The car was returned the day before the Oireachtas hearing.

Another day of shocking revelations regarding the State broadcaster ensued at today’s sitting of the Oireachtas Media Committee.

Over the course of the committee’s sitting, information such as the expenditure of €5k on flip-flops for a summer party and the €2.2 million loss made by the Toy Show Musical came to light.

Further transgressions on behalf of RTÉ were also exposed, with one notable instance being the fact that one employee was in possession of an “on loan” car from the broadcaster for five years.

The divulgence of this information occurred after Fianna Fáil Senator Timmy Dooley questioned RTÉ’s Interim Deputy Director General Adrian Lynch.

Asking as to whether or not any personalities at the organisation were currently in receipt of a car due to being a brand ambassador for motoring companies, Mr. Lynch revealed that one was, and had held it for a five year period.

RTÉ’s financial dealings continue to be scrutinised this week by the Oireachtas Committee. (Credit: Rolling News)

The Interim Deputy Director General also revealed that the loan period had not been approved, and as a result the car was returned yesterday before today’s hearing.

“I’m aware of one instance where somebody had a loan of a car. My understanding is that car has been returned and that individual is a staff member of RTÉ”, stated Mr. Lynch.

Senator Dooley then asked how long the loan period was and when it was returned.

When asked if it was possible for someone without a driver’s license to be loaned a car by the broadcaster, Mr. Lynch said he was unsure but would find out.

Independent TD Peter Fitzpatrick then entered the fray, questioning as to whether or not Mr. Lynch himself was the employee being referenced, to which he replied he was not.

Fianna Fáil TD Christopher O’Sullivan added that such a lengthy ‘loan’ period was extraordinary and was heavily critical of the “oversight”.

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