Statement from Institute of Directors Ireland regarding RTÉ governance and culture report

The independent examination identifies areas of RTÉ’s governance that require improvement, and which led to a weakening of public trust in the State broadcaster. The report makes significant recommendations which we will examine in detail.

As the foremost voice in the debate on improving governance standards, IoD Ireland is dedicated to developing and improving the effectiveness and performance of directors and boards throughout Ireland. New resources and supports, include a knowledge sharing event with an expert panel, and a workshop on State Body Governance. IoD Ireland will continue to engage with our membership further to extrapolate key learnings to enhance State Body Governance. We will also look to develop recommendations as appropriate for State Boards, policy makers and the Government, and will be publishing a new IoD Director Handbook on the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies.

A recent survey of our members found three out of five (60%) directors see personal or reputational risk as the main deterrent to being on a State Board. When asked if they would consider applying for a position on the board of a State Body, the survey nonetheless found that nearly 72% of directors and business leaders would still consider applying for a State Board position.

The sentiment towards the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies amongst directors is mostly positive, with almost 73% saying it has been effective in supporting good corporate governance standards in State organisations and nearly 74% saying it has improved governance standards since its revision in 2016. 

The survey by IoD Ireland, undertaken between 20th and 29th February 2024, assessed its members’ attitudes to State Board governance, and was completed by 382 directors and business leaders.