Ryan Tubridy to break silence on RTE payments scandal as Oireachtas grilling fast-tracked

Ryan Tubridy is set to appear before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) next Tuesday.

The broadcaster is scheduled to break his silence on the RTE secret payments controversy at a specially-convened meeting of the Dail’s top committee next week.

It is also expected that his agent, Noel Kelly, will present himself with Mr Tubridy for questioning from the inquisitorial members of PAC that day.

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The box office appearance will likely be the first of two visits to Leinster House next week as they are slotted in to come before the media committee on Wednesday.

Then on Thursday the PAC will sit again, on the last sitting day of the Dail before the summer recess, to grill the executives of RTE again.

The PAC held a private meeting in Leinster House on Thursday morning where they decided to fast-track Mr Tubridy’s appearance after he offered to appear in a solicitor’s letter sent to both committees (PAC and Media) on Wednesday morning.

Ryan Tubridy and RTE's former Director General, Dee Forbes (Collins)

The media committee decided privately on Wednesday evening that Wednesday would be their day for the showdown with Mr Tubridy and Mr Kelly.

A member of the PAC told the Irish Mirror on Thursday afternoon: “We are very much looking forward to having Tubridy in before us next week.

“It’s been a bit like Hamlet without the Prince so far, so get ready for a very interesting meeting next week.”

Mr Tubridy himself offered to come before the committees, with a letter to both confirming he and his agent Noel Kelly will be available next week.

In his letter through a solicitors’ firm, the committees have been told: “I am writing to you on behalf of our clients, Ryan Tubridy and Noel Kelly, in relation to your Committee’s investigation into RTE expenditure and governance issues.

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)

“Mr Kelly and Mr Tubridy wish to fully cooperate and assist with your Committee in its examination of these issues and clarify a number of matters that have arisen.

“Both Mr Tubridy and Mr Kelly kindly request to meet with your Committee at a suitable time next week.

“They would welcome this opportunity to set out their position on these matters and then submit themselves to appropriate questioning from members of the Committee on what are clearly matters of public interest.

“We will prepare a booklet of relevant documents which can be shared with the Committee in advance of our attendance.

“We look forward to hearing from you.”