Patrick Kielty’s return as Late Late Show host faces uncertainty due to an RTÉ pay controversy. Negotiations between Kielty and RTÉ are delayed by postponements affecting director general Kevin Bakhurst’s own pay rise. Bakhurst says television chiefs want him back and that talks with Kielty are ongoing, while RTÉ has started discussing contingency plans if Kielty does not return in autumn. Bakhurst is scheduled to receive a €20,000 increase to €270,000 and has set a rule that no one else at RTÉ can earn more than him, including stars. Kielty’s current three-year deal pays €250,000 annually, with expectations of an enhanced package upon renewal. Government appetite to fast-track pay changes is limited, potentially stalling Kielty’s salary increase in the short term. RTÉ has also faced scrutiny over staff on personal contracts that allow pay above the standard salary cap.
"While Mr Bakhurst said television chiefs want him back and are "still negotiating with Patrick", RTÉ has now "started talking about" a contingency plan if Kielty does not return in the autumn."
"The director general is due to get a €20,000 bump in pay, bringing him up to €270,000. He has ruled that no one else in the organisation can earn more than him - including its stars."
"Mr Kielty's current three-year deal with RTÉ is at the top of the scale, at €250,000 a year. He is expected to get an enhanced package if he renews his deal. But the latest pay scandal means there is little appetite in the Government to fast-track his salary increase, even if that has consequences for RTÉ's schedule."
"More than 100 RTÉ staff are on "personal" contracts that allow them to be paid more than the standard salary cap for their role within the organisation."
Read at Irish Independent
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