Two Oireachtas committees in Ireland have confirmed plans to re-examine former RTÉ director general Dee Forbes when the national legislature reconvenes. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and the Media Committee intend to invite Ms. Forbes to appear before them again to answer questions regarding financial and governance controversies that occurred during her leadership.
Ms. Forbes, who presided over RTÉ during a period marked by secret payments, hidden accounts, and extensive corporate spending, has refused to answer questions about her role since 2023. She initially cited ill-health as her reason for not appearing before the committees and subsequently disappeared from public view. Despite an offer from the committees to submit a written account, Ms. Forbes's lawyers informed the Media Committee in November 2025 that their client was "not fit or able" to attend, even by video link, and remained "under active medical care."
The decision to re-issue invitations comes after Ms. Forbes was reportedly seen socialising at a pub in West Cork. Committee members indicated that these sightings, along with photographs published recently, have hardened their resolve. A source told the Irish Mail on Sunday that while the committees had decided against contacting Ms. Forbes before the summer recess to avoid appearing to harass her, particularly given concerns about potential legal challenges similar to the Angela Kerins case, the mood has shifted.
"Their positions and the views of others will have hardened a lot after that photo-shoot," one committee source commented. Michael Carrigy, a Fine Gael TD and member of the PAC, stated that calling Ms. Forbes will be the first item on the agenda for their initial meeting after the Dáil returns. He emphasized that there is still "a very much unfinished piece of work" concerning the RTÉ controversies, adding that the broadcaster "can't move on until it is resolved." Mr. Carrigy expressed hope that Ms. Forbes's health would allow her to engage, noting that "no rush to judgment" would be applied in their questions, mindful of the Supreme Court's criticism of the PAC's treatment of Angela Kerins in 2014.
PAC chair John Brady, a Sinn Féin TD, also confirmed he will raise the issue of calling Ms. Forbes upon the Dáil's return. He stressed that Ms. Forbes would receive a fair hearing and has an "opportunity to end the consistent ongoing reputational damage being done to RTÉ, and to restore her own credibility." He added that pictures suggesting she is in better health were "good."
However, other committee members expressed less optimism. Aidan Farrelly, a Social Democrats TD and PAC member, noted the frustration of dealing with issues where individuals responsible are no longer in post, allowing for an "easy out." He likened the situation to when current director general Kevin Bakhurst appeared before the PAC, focusing on forward-looking reforms rather than past issues. Mr. Farrelly stated that while he would welcome Ms. Forbes before the committee, he is "not sure we'll see that come to fruition" and "wouldn’t be holding my breath." He also commented on the limited power of compulsion for the PAC, particularly as RTÉ was not audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General at the time of the alleged misconduct, making compulsory attendance difficult for a former employee.
The controversies surrounding RTÉ emerged after a scandal involving secret payments to former Late Late Show host Ryan Tubridy broke in June 2023, the same month Ms. Forbes resigned. A spokesperson for Ms. Forbes declined to comment when asked about her potential appearance before the committees.