RTÉ must show 'lack of oversight is no longer there', the Chair of the Oireachtas Media Committee has said.
Niamh Smyth was speaking as the Ryan Tubridy payments controversy is back in spotlight with TDs and Senators meeting in a private session today.
They will discuss the second Grant Thornton report into governance issues at the broadcaster.
Deputy Smyth told Newstalk Breakfast the RTÉ board has to show it has implemented changes.
"The outcome of that report has been around the lack of a working relationship, really, between the board and the leadership team that was there at that time," she said.
"We know that when that was absent there was clear lack of oversight and governance was poor at that point.
"I have no doubt my colleagues will be anxious to see how we can guarantee the public, in any future public hearings that we do have, how that has changed and what the sweeping changes have been within the board."
'Huge responsibility'
Deputy Smyth said the public has to have confidence in the changes, and that they can "see and hear how that's been done".
She said the board needs to show such changes.
"What I'm mainly concerned about knowing is that there are the changes, that they do feel fully informed, and that they are enabled to do the job they're appointed to do," she said.
"There's a very rigorous process to go through to get on to the board of RTÉ, and arguably it's a very prestigious position to have.
"That prestige, with it, comes responsibility and in these times for RTÉ huge responsibility.
"So I'd like to be confident myself that their lack of working relationship, the lack of oversight, the lack of governance that has been there in the past is no longer there," she added.
RTÉ Director-General Kevin Bakhurst. Picture by: Image: Sasko Lazarov/RollingNewsLast week RTÉ Director-General Kevin Bakhurst said there are currently no plans for Mr Tubridy to return to his presenting role.
Mr Tubridy has been off-air since June, when controversy over the under-declaration of his salary was first revealed.
In a statement, Mr Bakhurst said: "I have decided not to continue with negotiations and, as such, there are no plans for Ryan to return to his presenting role with RTÉ at this time.
"Despite having agreed some of the fundamentals, including fee, duration and hours, regretfully, it is my view that trust between the parties has broken down."
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