RTÉ to Face PAC Inquiry Over 41-Staff World Cup Coverage in Czechia
Ireland's national broadcaster, RTÉ, is set to be questioned by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) regarding reports that it deployed 41 staff members and contractors to Prague, Czechia, to cover the recent World Cup play-off semi-final. The Irish football team lost the match against Czechia on penalties in March. John Brady, a Sinn Féin TD and chair of the PAC, announced that the committee seeks a detailed explanation for the significant expenditure of public funds. Brady demanded a total cost breakdown and specific role descriptions for each individual who traveled, stating it would be unacceptable if personnel lacked vital functions. He cited past concerns about RTÉ's lax approach to spending public money and emphasized the need for transparency, accuracy, and accountability to maintain public confidence in the broadcaster's financial governance. While RTÉ previously stated that programs like Inside Sport, Liveline, Morning Ireland, and 2FM Drive would provide coverage from Prague, the scale of the deployment has raised serious questions. The broadcaster has been contacted for comment regarding these allegations and the upcoming inquiry.
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