RTE star Marty Morrissey has confirmed he is the RTE staff member who handed back a car after owning it for five years.
The station's popular sports correspondent confirmed he was given a car by Renault back in 2017 after he was asked to host a number of functions for the car manufacturer, reports Irish Mirror.
In a statement, he said: "In the interests of openness and transparency, I would like to address certain questions that have been raised over recent days.
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"I am a Sports Reporter and Commentator concentrating exclusively on GAA.
"In light of recent events, one potential issue did come into focus. In 2017 I was asked to MC a series of functions in Renault garages across the country. This involved me interviewing several high-profile GAA personalities. As was required of me, I sought RTÉ permission at the time to do this. This permission was granted.
"I did not seek a fee for this engagement. I saw it as GAA-related, interacting with former players who I knew well. Many of the GAA-related engagements I do, I do at no cost. As I hadn't sought a fee, Renault offered me the use of a car. I accepted this offer. The situation carried over informally for a number of years. I ended up MC ing about 12 such events.
"Since the recent controversy within RTÉ arose, I reflected on this matter. I concluded that it had been an error of judgment on my part to accept the use of the car. I returned it voluntarily to Renault on Friday 23rd June.
"Like many RTÉ staff and contractors, I was this week asked to supply RTÉ with information about any commercial engagements, gifts and potential conflicts of interest. I did this and made full disclosure of this matter to RTÉ.
"I have never been appointed a brand ambassador for Renault. There was no expectation or requirement that I publicly endorse or promote Renault on air, on social media or otherwise while I had the use of a car. As far as I was concerned, my use of the car was always a very ad hoc arrangement which did not affect my work with RTÉ.
"I wish to be clear that I have never had a car allowance from RTÉ. I have apologised to RTÉ, my managers and colleagues for any embarrassment or difficulty I have caused them because of this matter. I also apologise to any of our viewers and listeners who may feel let down by my actions. It was never my intention to let anyone down, least of all myself.
"I have assured RTÉ that I remain ready to assist, and rectify, any issues which may arise from this matter."
The revelations came to light when deputy director general Adrian Lynch was quizzed by an Oireachtas committee on Wednesday.
Under questioning from Fianna Fáil Senator Timmy Dooley, Mr Lynch was asked if there were any brand ambassadors with a loaned car who was also in receipt of a car allowance from RTÉ. Mr Lynch said they were “going through a process now” of checking that information.
“I’m aware of one instance where somebody had a loan of a car...my understanding is that car has been returned and that individual is a staff member of RTÉ.”
When asked for how long they had the car, he said for five years, before adding “that was not approved.” He said the car was returned on Tuesday, though Mr Morrissey insists he returned the car almost two weeks ago.
Asked by Senator Dooley if there was any staff member who was in receipt of a car allowance as part of their remuneration package while also in receipt of a car or being a brand ambassador, Mr Lynch said he would “have to verify that."
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