Ní Raghallaigh: ‘My enforced dismissal seemed designed to traduce my reputation’

The former RTÉ chair and Dunfanaghy native Siún Ní Raghallaigh has hit back about her “enforced dismissal” from the role of the RTÉ board. 

Ní Raghallaigh expressed that she felt the public dismissal was intended to “traduce” her reputation and that the Minister did not have as much involvement in operations as was portrayed to the public and the Oireachtas Media Committee. 

“If the Minister had decided that she no longer wanted me as chair, that is her privilege,” she said.

“However, I cannot remain silent about the manner of my enforced dismissal which seemed designed to traduce my reputation.

She also said that her experience in the role had been of a Minister “actively taking a hands-off approach whilst delegating through her officials.

“The rule book on good governance may prescribe regular contact between Minister and Chair as the norm but, from day one, I had no choice but to accept the practice of regular contact between Chair and Secretary General.

“Although I believe this practice worked well it is not typical. It is also contrary to the impression given by the Minister to your committee members on Tuesday, 27 February.”

In a response to Ní Raghallaigh, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media of Ireland, Catherine Martin stated again that she was misinformed. 

“I note the statement of the former Chair,” she said. “Last week, I outlined in detail the position of the Department officials and I on this matter.

“This included taking questions at a three-and-a-half-hour meeting of the Joint Oireachtas Committee and doing statements in the Dáil.    

“Any Minister needs to rely on getting clear, timely and accurate information from the Chair of a State Body.

“This is particularly important at such a challenging time in RTÉ’s history. I would again like to put on record my thanks to the former Chair Siún Ní Raghallaigh for her dedication and commitment to RTÉ and public service broadcasting. 

“An important step forward for RTÉ will be taken tomorrow when I seek Government approval for the appointment of a new Chair and additional board members. 

“Upon appointment, I will seek to meet the new Chair and the Director General in the coming days.

It is expected that a new RTÉ chair will be appointed this morning, Terrance O’Rourke has been nominated and it is to go through cabinet for approval. Additional board members are also due to be appointed.