During Leaders' Questions, Sinn Féin's Pearse Doherty TV licence to be scrapped as public has 'lost faith' in RTÉ.
It comes after it emerged that an exit package for RTÉ's former Chief Financial Officer was not approved by its Executive Board.
It is the latest revelation in the long-running payments scandal at the broadcaster.
An independent report by McCann Fitzgerald has uncovered that the exit deal for Breda O'Keeffe was not considered by the board at all.
The report examined the Voluntary Exit Programmes (VEPs) operated at the broadcaster in 2017 and 2021.
It found that over 250 applications were submitted under the 2017 programme and 176 were successful.
Cost savings of 80% or more were identified in the vast majority of successful applications, it said.
The report found that Ms O'Keeffe's application "was the only one not considered and approved by the Executive Board as was required under the rules of the 2017 VEP" and that "the terms of the 2017 VEP were not complied with."
The report concluded that the "failure of RTÉ to follow the rules of its scheme rests with it."
In 10 cases, applications for exit under the 2017 VEP were approved and termination payments, including statutory redundancy payments, were paid.
The report found that these departures "did not… satisfy the requirements of a redundancy within the meaning of the Redundancy Payments Acts."
It also said there were questions over whether RTÉ "should not have applied the tax exemption applicable to statutory redundancy payments to the payments received by some or all of these individuals."
It added that this question would be "a matter for the Revenue Commissioners to determine."
,newstalk,newstalk fm,ireland,ireland news,irish news,podcast,GExfQWwWyzk,UCyQkMUy1w7X7pZEqq2j-1CQ, Society, channel_UCyQkMUy1w7X7pZEqq2j-1CQ, video_GExfQWwWyzk,The next Government will most likely be a Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael coalition propped up by "sensible" independents.
Although a handful of seats are yet to be filled, it is expected that Fianna Fáil will be the largest party with 48 seats, Fine Gael will have 38 TDs and Sinn Féin will 39 seats.
With a likely total of 86 seats, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael will be within touching distance of the 87 seats needed for a majority in the new Dáil.
Although Galway West TD Mairéad Farrell believes the party could still end up in Government, Irish Independent Political Correspondent John Downing thinks the numbers are against the party.
“The figures don’t add up,” he told Breakfast Briefing.
“Certainly, Sinn Féin went into this election in very bad shape and had, in real terms, a rather good election - given the shape they were in as they entered it.
“[Government], it’s not going to happen.”
Following the near total wipeout of the Green Party, attention has turned towards the Labour Party and the Social Democrats are potential Government partners.
It would be, Mr Downing believes, a “problematic” coalition for several reasons.
“Things are going to have to be ratified by the membership - whatever deals are made,” he said.
“The other difficulty is that we have, effectively, two labour parties; there’s the Labour Party and the Social Democrats - which is just another word for a Labour Party - and they’re going to be watching each other like hawks, pushing and over.
“If one crowd goes in and the other stays out - that’s a recipe for disaster for the crowd who go in.
“The smaller party who goes into a coalition Government is effectively feeding itself into the political mill.”
________________________________________________________________________________________________
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,,USGSozFpGbo,UCyQkMUy1w7X7pZEqq2j-1CQ, Lifestyle_(sociology), channel_UCyQkMUy1w7X7pZEqq2j-1CQ, video_USGSozFpGbo,With Christmas just around the corner, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly is back with her annual guide to the very best in gadget gifts.
If you're on the hunt for something cheap to entertain the kids, a handy kitchen gadget or to treat someone to their dream electronic gift, Jess has options at every price point.
€60 or less
PlayEasy drawning tablet | €18
A 10" colour drawing board, with a lock button and lanyard for stylus pen.
The electronic drawing board has been a great addition to our house.
It’s easily transportable so we often take it in the car. The lanyard for the pen will help keep the stylus safe.
Include this in activities or leave it out with something to trace or a small picture and see if your child will “give it a go.”
Your child might like to attempt numbers, letters, trace their name, draw a picture from their favourite book etc.
The drawing board comes with a flat battery included.
Chipolo One Bluetooth Item Finder | €24.95
This is a great gift for a friend, family member or colleague who always misplaces their keys or access card for the office.
It pairs to both iOS and Android devices via an app.
You can see where your items are or call them!
It’s possible to replace the battery if it dies.
Available from tech retailers across the country.
Apple AirTag | €39 (can be personalised on the Apple website)
Similar in concept to the Chipolo mentioned above, this is the Apple version.
These were massively popular during the summer - people wanted to keep tabs on their luggage etc.
If you have an Apple fan in your life, this is an excellent gift!
BLND Portable Blender | €35 from Three
For smoothies on the go the BLND Portable Blender unlocks a world of nutritious shakes, smoothies, and juices.
It’s lightweight allows for easy transport and enjoyment on the go.
Available in Pink Black and Mint Green for €35 in Three stores nationwide and on Three.ie.
€140 or less
LEGO Planet Earth and Moon in Orbit | €79.99
This is on my wishlist this Christmas - it’s a Lego Technic set of Planet Earth and Moon in Orbit.
It’s recommended for ages 1- and up - it makes for a gorgeous stand alone piece, you can buy it from the LEGO stores on Grafton Street or Blanchardstown as well as on Lego.com.
NOKIA 3210 | €69.99
Ideal as a digital detox device or a first phone - this has the form factor of the original Nokia 3310, but with an added screen.
It has an excellent battery life and is ideal if you want to gift someone a bit of downtime!
Philips NeoPix 100 Projector | €99
Transform your viewing experience with the Philips NeoPix 100 Projector, a dynamic stereo sound, and versatile media player.
Available for €99 in Three stores nationwide and on Three.ie
HMD Barbie™ Phone| €129.99
Another gem for those looking for a distraction free phone.
Perfect for the big Barbie fans - very retro look and feel.
There’s a 2.8-inch internal screen and a very basic camera, but it does have an MP3 player, Bluetooth and snake!!
Fujifilm Instax Square SQ1 | €110
The Fujifilm Instax Square SQ1 embraces simplicity via function and design, to effortlessly produce atmospheric square photos that give you more of what you want in every shot.
Available for €130 only in Three stores nationwide and on Three.ie
PocketBook 6" Verse E-Reader | €140
For avid readers the PocketBook 6" Verse E-Reader is the perfect companion.
With its 6-inch HD touchscreen E Ink Carta, reading is comfortable and enjoyable.
The high-quality display provides a paper-like reading experience, ensuring hours of reading without strain or loss of focus.
You download the PocketBook app onto your phone, you can import PDFs or buy books.
Available for €140 in Three stores nationwide and on Three.ie
Notions
SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch7 BT with Bixby | Silver, 44 mm €299.00
Meta Quest 3S 128GB Mixed Reality Headset and Controllers | €329.00 from Currys
HMD Skyline | €399.99
Skin Krush Rejuvenating LED Mask | TBC
Designed with soft silicone to perfectly conform to your facial contours, this mask is a combination of red and infra-red light therapy treatment that stimulates collagen production and reduces redness in as little as 10 minutes per day.
This mask offers 2 different settings, 633nm red light and the 830nm infra-red light combined and is designed with extra comfort in mind by adding an additional overhead strap.
It also contours to the shape of your face and is safe, effective and easy to use, bringing facials to the comfort of your own home.
Designed by experienced nurses with over 20 years in the aesthetic and skincare industry, the Rejuvenating LED Mask delivers professional results in the comfort of your home.
,newstalk,newstalk fm,ireland,ireland news,irish news,podcast,rcBmBXxtJkc,UCyQkMUy1w7X7pZEqq2j-1CQ, Politics,Society, channel_UCyQkMUy1w7X7pZEqq2j-1CQ, video_rcBmBXxtJkc,'Maybe I should have ran for politician when I was 20'.
Gerry Hutch talks hiking, affordable housing, and regrets, on the latest episode of Henry's Front Bench.
Gerry ‘The Monk’ Hutch's General Election campaign has met mixed responses – but one group whose vote he will definitely have is the staff at Corinthians Boxing Club.
Corinthians Boxing Club’s Head Coach Kevin Corcoran told The Hard Shoulder about Mr Hutch’s generosity to their community organisation.
“Gerald bought the building in Buckingham Street there 25 years ago outright and he gave us that building for one euro a years’ rent - that's all we have to pay,” he said.
“Now, he doesn't collect the rent, obviously, but he gave us the building to run as a boxing club free of charge, basically.”
Mr Corcoran said the club would not exist with Mr Hutch’s help.
“Everyone knows rents, especially in the inner city, are crazy at the moment,” he said.
“We probably be paying between €2,000 to €4,000 per month rent for that building, and we couldn't afford that.
“We charge the kids €2 per night for training.”
The coach said Mr Hutch very rarely visits the club, but when he’s in Ireland he always stops by.
“When he comes home, he pops down and says hello, he comes in and says hello to the lads and has a look at the kids training,” he said.
Mr Corcoran said The Monk is a “very popular man” in the area.
“There's no other man, TD, anything that would buy a building and give it away to the local community,” he said.
Mr Corcoran said Mr Hutch’s popularity could be due to his help with the boxing club, but he’s sure “people have their own reasons”.
The local community aren’t concerned with Mr Hutch’s possible involvement in organised crime, he said.
“We only see the side of Gerald as the very helpful person that he is,” Mr Corcoran said.
“We only know the man that helps us out, gives us a club for free.”
________________________________________________________________________________________________
📱 Have you downloaded the Newstalk app?
- Find the app in the Google Play store:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.thisisaim.newstalk&hl=en_IE&gl=US
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📱GET IN TOUCH WITH NEWSTALK
- WhatsApp: get in touch on 0871400106
,newstalk,newstalk fm,ireland,ireland news,irish news,podcast,ETLvFJh30ts,UCyQkMUy1w7X7pZEqq2j-1CQ, Politics,Society, channel_UCyQkMUy1w7X7pZEqq2j-1CQ, video_ETLvFJh30ts,Gerry ‘The Monk’ Hutch's General Election campaign has met mixed responses – but one group whose vote he will definitely have is the staff at Corinthians Boxing Club.
Corinthians Boxing Club’s Head Coach Kevin Corcoran told The Hard Shoulder about Mr Hutch’s generosity to their community organisation.
“Gerald bought the building in Buckingham Street there 25 years ago outright and he gave us that building for one euro a years’ rent - that's all we have to pay,” he said.
“Now, he doesn't collect the rent, obviously, but he gave us the building to run as a boxing club free of charge, basically.”
Mr Corcoran said the club would not exist with Mr Hutch’s help.
“Everyone knows rents, especially in the inner city, are crazy at the moment,” he said.
“We probably be paying between €2,000 to €4,000 per month rent for that building, and we couldn't afford that.
“We charge the kids €2 per night for training.”
The coach said Mr Hutch very rarely visits the club, but when he’s in Ireland he always stops by.
“When he comes home, he pops down and says hello, he comes in and says hello to the lads and has a look at the kids training,” he said.
Mr Corcoran said The Monk is a “very popular man” in the area.
“There's no other man, TD, anything that would buy a building and give it away to the local community,” he said.
Mr Corcoran said Mr Hutch’s popularity could be due to his help with the boxing club, but he’s sure “people have their own reasons”.
The local community aren’t concerned with Mr Hutch’s possible involvement in organised crime, he said.
“We only see the side of Gerald as the very helpful person that he is,” Mr Corcoran said.
“We only know the man that helps us out, gives us a club for free.”
Aside from Mr Corcoran’s hopes to see The Monk in the Dáil, his wishes for the next Government include “more grants”.
“In our club, we'd like to get some more grants for the club to help us out with more equipment and more stuff like that,” he said.
“We don't pay rent in our club, but we have massive bills - we have water bills, electricity bills that we have to get paid.”
________________________________________________________________________________________________
📱 Have you downloaded the Newstalk app?
- Find the app in the Google Play store:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.thisisaim.newstalk&hl=en_IE&gl=US
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#️⃣ SUBSCRIBE to the Newstalk social channels:
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- iTunes: search for Newstalk in your app!
- Spotify: search for Newstalk for our latest pods and news
- Or wherever you get your podcasts!
📱GET IN TOUCH WITH NEWSTALK
- WhatsApp: get in touch on 0871400106
Hi All! Good morning and Welcome to Monday, and to the live show of The Vic Porcelli Show! Let us know what you have going on and become a part of the conversation. Use the phone at 314-912-1019 or put your question or comment in the Chat Box. Here's what we have for you today: 🚨Coming Up LIVE: The Vic Porcelli Show 9a-11a🇺🇸 @NewstalkSTL (ALL TIMES CST) 💫9:05A Rob Bluey @RobertBluey The Heritage Foundation @Heritage Heritage.org Executive Editor of The Daily Signal @DailySignal 💫9:25A Weekly: “THAT’S CRAP!!” 💫9:41A Dr. Carole Lieberman America’s Psychiatrist Dr. Carole’s Couch on VoiceAmerica.com The Terrorist Therapist® Podcast. drcarole.com expertwitnessforensicpsychiatrist.com terroristtherapist.com 💫10:05A Dr Bonner Cohen CFACT @CFACT 💫10:25A 💫10:41A "Vic Porcelli's East Coast Report with Douglas Blair @DouglasKBlair Communications and Data Manager, Data Journalist @Harris_X_ @YoVic7 @KenJWilliams newstalkstl.com/porcelli/
,1,During Leaders' Questions, Sinn Féin's Pearse Doherty TV licence to be scrapped as public has 'lost faith' in RTÉ.
It comes after it emerged that an exit package for RTÉ's former Chief Financial Officer was not approved by its Executive Board.
It is the latest revelation in the long-running payments scandal at the broadcaster.
An independent report by McCann Fitzgerald has uncovered that the exit deal for Breda O'Keeffe was not considered by the board at all.
The report examined the Voluntary Exit Programmes (VEPs) operated at the broadcaster in 2017 and 2021.
It found that over 250 applications were submitted under the 2017 programme and 176 were successful.
Cost savings of 80% or more were identified in the vast majority of successful applications, it said.
The report found that Ms O'Keeffe's application "was the only one not considered and approved by the Executive Board as was required under the rules of the 2017 VEP" and that "the terms of the 2017 VEP were not complied with."
The report concluded that the "failure of RTÉ to follow the rules of its scheme rests with it."
In 10 cases, applications for exit under the 2017 VEP were approved and termination payments, including statutory redundancy payments, were paid.
The report found that these departures "did not… satisfy the requirements of a redundancy within the meaning of the Redundancy Payments Acts."
It also said there were questions over whether RTÉ "should not have applied the tax exemption applicable to statutory redundancy payments to the payments received by some or all of these individuals."
It added that this question would be "a matter for the Revenue Commissioners to determine."
