A major new report is urging RTÉ to remove confidentiality clauses from all exit deals as part of range of recommendations aimed at improving governance.

The report from the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) also formally calls for the broadcaster to be brought under the remit of the State auditor.

In the report, PAC said side deals should not be allowed at RTÉ and there should be a clear policy for staff using social media for promotional reasons.

PAC Chair Brian Stanley said taxpayers will not put up with any more confidential deals.

"You can't undo a lot of things in the past," he said.

"This report - and the committee is looking forward with this, it's a forward-looking report - is about the future.

"Any agreements from here on out, in terms of terms and conditions, they shouldn't have confidentiality clauses in it.

"People who are on those type of salaries shouldn't expect them.

"Finally [what] I would say is I don't think the public would tolerate it," he added.

The Public Accounts Committee launch report on RTÉ, 5-3-24. Image: Sasko Lazarov/© RollingNews.ie

It comes as Terence O'Rourke is set to be named today as the new Chair of the RTÉ Board later today.

Former Chair Siún Ní Raghallaigh resigned after Media Minister Catherine Martin refused to express confidence in her last month.

In a statement yesterday, Ms Ní Raghallaigh accused Minister Martin of taking a "hands off approach" with the broadcaster and trying to "traduce" her reputation.

She said she had been left with no choice but to resign after what she described as an "enforced dismissal" at the hands of the Media Minister.

Media Minister Catherine Martin addresses media in relation to RTÉ fallout at Government Buildings, 23-2-24. Image: Leah Farrell / © RollingNews.ie

In response, Minister Martin said she outlined her and the Department's position regarding Ms Ní Raghallaigh's resignation during her appearance at the Oireachtas Media Committee last week.

Minister Martin said she will seek to meet the new Chair and Director-General Kevin Bakhurst in the coming days.

Sinn Féin Deputy Leader Pearse Doherty has accused Minister Martin of being 'completely out of her depth' on every issue.

There are also calls for Minister Martin to correct Dáil statements she made about Ms Ní Raghallaigh.

Additional reporting: Jack Quann

Main image shows RTÉ Director General Kevin Bakhurst outside RTÉ headquarters in Donnybrook, 10-07-2023. Image: PA Images / Alamy