Free wheelin' star had car on loan...for 5yrs

Station acting deputy boss says more perks may be uncovered

- FERGHAL BLANEY

ONE of RTE's staff stars had a "loan" of a free car for five years - and gave it back this week.

And the acting deputy director general told the Oireachtas media committee there may be more.

Adrian Lynch confirmed that a trawl has so far uncovered one car that was an unauthorised perk and that the full probe into benefits in kind is not complete.

Though it was not clarified exactly how the car was handed over on Tuesday, it is believed it was part of a brandambassador deal.

Mr Lynch told the committee the loan period was "not approved" and the car was returned. He said: "I'm aware of one instance where somebody had a loan of car. My under-standing is that car has been returned and that individual is a staff member of RTE.

Adrian Lynch declined to give any details about the RTE staff member.

He said: "I can't really disclose that because there will be so much speculation around it.

"But I do want to disclose the fact that in terms of information supplied to me and what happened [on Tuesday], this car was given back but over time as we go through the process... and in terms of the register of interests and on the advice, we will be more transparent about that." He then added: "I'm sure it will come out anyway.

Asked again if he would give the role of the person, he said: "I can't do that because it will be too specific and lead to speculation.