'The overall level of salaries in RTE, was a contentious, even poisonous issue': Kevin Bakhurst on the pay cap and Claire Byrne's exit

"Boss of national broadcaster says the pay cap will stay despite Claire Byrne's departure He does not believe the 'paperwork is that onerous' for staff following RTÉ's rules on external activities He says he disagrees with Claire Byrne's comments that there is a 'nervousness in RTÉ, editorially' He also says water has passed under the bridge with Ryan Tubridy and does not rule out his return"

"The director general of RTÉ has ruled out any change to the pay cap at the station, despite the loss of Claire Byrne to Newstalk. In an interview with the Irish Independent, Kevin Bakhurst said he has had very few issues with the limit on presenters' earnings he imposed in 2023 following the controversy over secret payments to Ryan Tubridy."

The director general of RTÉ has decided to maintain the broadcaster's pay cap despite Claire Byrne leaving for Newstalk. The pay cap introduced in 2023 after the secret payments controversy remains in effect and has caused very few operational issues. RTÉ management does not consider the paperwork for staff following rules on external activities to be onerous. The director general disputes claims of editorial nervousness within RTÉ. He describes relations with Ryan Tubridy as having improved and does not rule out the possibility of Tubridy returning to the station.

Read at Independent