RTÉ chair Terence O'Rourke has said it is "possible" Derek Mooney could have appeared on the broadcaster's top 10 highest earners list in previous years after his earnings were retrospectively added to the 2024 rankings.
Speaking to Prime Time presenter Sarah McInerney, O'Rourke acknowledged that the inclusion of Mooney's earnings in the 2024 list, which was published in 2025, raised questions about historical transparency. He stated that RTÉ is reviewing its disclosure processes to ensure accuracy going forward.
The development comes amid ongoing scrutiny of RTÉ's pay practices, following a controversy in 2023 over undisclosed payments to top talent. Mooney, a veteran presenter, had not appeared on previous published lists of top earners.
RTÉ has not confirmed whether Mooney's earnings in prior years exceeded the threshold for disclosure, but O'Rourke said the broadcaster is committed to full transparency. The matter is expected to be discussed at the next meeting of the RTÉ board.
