RTÉ’s Director General Kevin Bakhurst has said staff should not accept gifts valued over €100.
The broadcaster has launched a new Register of Gifts, which will require employees to declare any gifts they receive that are above a certain value.
Staff must complete a form detailing any gift with a realistic value between €50 and €100.
According to RTÉ a message to the staff said: “Any gift with a realistic valuation of over €100 should not be accepted or if it must be accepted, then it is declared and becomes the property of RTÉ.”
“A gift is defined as anything given to a member of staff or contractor arising from their work for RTE for which they do not pay fair market value.”
“This includes the provision of services, tickets for events and entertainment,”
Another form was launched today which asks staff to declare a conflict of interest when a situation arises that “may influence, or be seen by a reasonable person to influence, a staff member in their work for RTÉ.”
The director general also said: “Declaring a conflict or potential conflict does not mean you will not be able to fulfil your work in RTÉ, nor will it harm your career prospects in any way.”
“It is merely designed to ensure RTÉ is aware of any conflicts or potential conflicts and can manage the situation appropriately.”
These steps are part of its internal governance review and efforts to drive change across the company.
A Register of Interests and a Register of External Activities were launched for its staff in January this year.
