RTÉ Director General Cathal Goan has said he is "happy" with a deal reached between the State broadcaster and Mayo TD Beverley Flynn over the costs arising from her failed libel action.
RTE's Cathal Goan says he is happy with the agreement reached between the broadcaster and Beverley Flynn. Image: Matt Kavanagh.
Speaking on RTÉ Radio's News at One programme today, Mr Goan also denied there had been any political interference in the reaching of the decision to settle with Ms Flynn for less the amount she owed.
In the Dáil this morning, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern was accused by both Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny and Labour leader Pat Rabbitte of influencing the decision by RTÉ to accept €1.25 million in settlement of Ms Flynn's €2.8 million bill.
But Mr Goan said: "There is no question at any level of any interference with me directly or indirectly in coming to this decision.
"RTÉ's independence is absolutely central to any consideration that I make.
"RTÉ's independence is something by which I will live or die, and the integrity of the organisation is far too important to me to be casually throwing away by references as there were in the Dail this morning and I regret those."
He said it was a "a matter of surprise" that details of the proposed settlement were "leaked over the weekend to the extent that a figure is in the public domain. I'm not going to dispute that figure."
He said he would discuss the details of the settlement after formal court proceedings on Monday.
However, he added: "What RTE got in a debt collection situation was the best possible deal. I consulted with the legal and financial team. I took that decision and I stand over that decision."
He said 45 per cent of RTE's revenue was from advertising. "I am happy that the licence fee payer is not disadvantaged by this settlement", he added.
