Marty Morrissey has released a statement this afternoon after he became the latest name to be caught up in the ongoing scrutiny surrounding RTÉ.
The national broadcaster has come in for heavy criticism in recent weeks after news of their financial arrangement with Ryan Tubridy came to light. As it turned out, that was only the tip of the iceberg in terms of their questionable spending of money that had taken place over the last number of years.
During the Oireachtas committee hearing this week, it emerged that one high profile RTÉ presenter had been given the use of a car for over five years by a sponsor, with the vehicle having been returned towards the end of last month.
GAA presenter and commentator Marty Morrissey has now released a statement on the matter.
Marty Morrissey gets caught up in RTÉ drama
Marty Morrissey released a statement on social media this afternoon in which he outlined the circumstances in which he was provided with a car by Renault since 2017.
In it, he describes an 'ad hoc arrangement' in which he was given the use of the vehicle by the brand as a result of his work as an MC at some of their related events. He said RTÉ were aware of this, although he now describes as an 'error of judgement' on the back of recent events.
Marty Morrissey statement pic.twitter.com/2b4gdwhOUE
— Marty Morrissey (@MartyM_RTE) July 6, 2023
In the interests of openness and transparency, I would like to address certain questions that have been raised over recent days.I am a Sports Reporter and Commentator concentrating exclusively on GAA. In light of recent events, one potential issue did come into focus.
In 2017 I was asked to MC a series of functions in Renault garages across the country. This involved me interviewing several high-profile GAA personalities. As was required of me, I sought RTE permission at the time to do this. This permission was granted.
I did not seek a fee for this engagement. I saw it as GAA-related, interacting with former players who I knew well. Many of the GAA-related engagements I do, I do at no cost.
As I hadn't sought a fee, Renault offered me the use of a car. I accepted this offer. The situation carried over informally for a number of years. I ended up MC-ing about 12 such events.
Since the recent controversy within RTE arose, I reflected on this matter. I concluded that it had been an error of judgment on my part to accept the use of the car. I returned it voluntarily to Renault on Friday 23rd June.
Like many RTE staff and contractors, I was this week asked to supply RTE with information about any commercial engagements, gifts and potential conflicts of interest. I did this and made full disclosure of this matter to RTE.
As was suggested in the Oireachtas hearing, the car has now been handed back.
Marty Morrissey would go on to say that he has never acted as an ambassador for Renault, although he apologised to RTÉ and its viewers as a result of this arrangement.
I have never been appointed a brand ambassador for Renault. There was no expectation or requirement that I publicly endorse or promote Renault on air, on social media or otherwise while I had the use of a car. As far as I was concerned, my use of the car was always a very ad hoc arrangement which did not affect my work with RTE.
I wish to be clear that I have never had a car allowance from RTE.
I have apologised to RTE, my managers and colleagues for any embarrassment or difficulty I have caused them because of this matter. I also apologise to any of our viewers and listeners who may feel let down by my actions. It was never my intention to let anyone down, least of all myself.
I have assured RTE that I remain ready to assist, and rectify, any issues which may arise from this matter.
RTÉ and its employees will continue to appear in front of Oireachtas hearings in the weeks ahead.
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