Marty Morrissey has revealed himself as the RTÉ star who had the secret car loan.
Brand deals between RTÉ talent and other companies have been subject to intense scrutiny ever since the Ryan Tubridy payments scandal hit headlines last month.
While the deals are separate to RTÉ contracts, it’s understood they have to be approved by a line manager at the state broadcaster.
On Wednesday, the RTÉ Board and executives arrived at Leinster House once again, this time to face questioning from the Oireachtas Media Committee.
During the meeting, interim Deputy Director General Adrian Lynch was quizzed about staff members who have car allowances.
“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.”
“I believe [it was on loan] for a period of five years, and that was not approved.”
Interim Deputy Director General Adrian Lynch told the committee he was aware of one instance where a staff member had a “loan of a car” while also having a car allowance, and that the loan car was returned yesterday | Follow updates: https://t.co/MIoKR1d9Z9 pic.twitter.com/g3MK2gvFID
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) July 5, 2023
When asked if he knew when the loaned car was returned, Mr Lynch replied: “Yesterday.”
In a statement, Marty said: “In the interests of openness and transparency, I would like to address certain questions that have been raised over recent days. 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.”
