'BRING IN THE FRAUD SQUAD'

TD calls for probe over ‘potential fraud’ | 73% of public blame RTE board

- SYLVIA POWNALL

PRESSURE was last night mounting on RTE to give gardai access to its books as the Rural Independents Group declared: “Bring in the fraud squad.” 

Mattie McGrath TD called on Justice Minister Helen McEntee to direct the Garda’s National Economic Crime Bureau to probe senior RTE executives for “potential fraud”.

It follows a week of revelations including €345.000 in secret payments to Ryan Tubridy to top up his salary, and, separately, a €1.25million “slush fund” used for RTE junkets and perks.

Deputy McGrath said of this week’s Oireachtas hearings: “The slow release of information revealed a culture of secrecy...

“I hold serious doubts about the upcoming committee meeting’s ability to reveal the complete truth to the public.

“The absence of the main figure at the centre of this controversy [Dee Forbes] prevents the full story from being told.

“Involving the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau is the only way to ensure accountability and transparency for the public.”

Last night, RTE confirmed the chair of its board Siun Ni Raghallaigh and incoming director general Kevin Bakhurst will attend a meeting with the Media Minister within days.