Forensic accountants to look into RTE accounts 'in coming days' with process fast-tracked

Media Minister Catherine Martin has fast-tracked the appointment of a forensic accountant to look under the bonnet of RTE’s finances.

The minister has used special powers to send in the financial detective to look through the books of RTE immediately.

The specialist accountant will come from the Mazars firm and will have free rein to examine any accounts they choose in RTE.

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It was expected that the forensic accountant would be in place before the end of this month, but this has been speeded up and the specialist will start their work in the coming days.

It is understood that an initial report will be prepared for Minister Martin inside a month.

Media Minister Catherine Martin makes a statement at Government Buildings, Dublin after the RTÉ controversy. RTE is to publish "as much as possible" of an external review into undisclosed payments made to star presenter Ryan Tubridy over the past three years. (PA Wire/PA Images)

Ms Martin said: “The appointment of Mazars as forensic accountants is a very important step in getting to the facts in RTÉ and shedding further light on the issues which have surfaced in recent weeks.

“I also want to thank Stephen Smith and Liam Kelly for agreeing to serve on the Expert Advisory Committees on Governance and Culture, and on Contractor Fees, Human Resources and other matters respectively.

“These expert committees will oversee the independent root and branch examination which will play a key role in restoring trust in RTÉ.”