Forbes still ‘not fit or able’ to give evidence
‘Setback’ for Media Committee
A SOLICITOR for EX-RTE Director General Dee Forbes has told the Oireachtas Media Committee that she is “not fit or able to undertake or be involved in any processes”.
The committee asked last month to see if Ms Forbes would be able to provide evidence to members via video link or in a written submission.
Since resigning at the height of the RTE scandal last June in the hours after it emerged that Ryan Tubridy’s salary had been under-declared by €345,000, Ms Forbes has not partaken in any probes into the issue.
She did not take part in reports commissioned by RTE nor did she present at any Oireachtas Committee due to ill health. A solicitor for Ms Forbes has now confirmed to the
Oireachtas Media Committee that she is still unwell and cannot participate in any form of engagement.
The letter read: “We are replying to your letter dated 23 February 2024 in which you expressed that you wish to engage with our client and that you are open to facilitating reasonable supports to assist Ms Forbes to engage with your enquiries.
“We confirm that on foot of your letter we have sought instructions from our client and we are instructed that our client is not fit or able to undertake or be involved in any processes.
“We are instructed that our client is unfit to be involved in any process even with the offer of video links/breaks/ written evidence etc. and that our client remains under active medical care.
“We previously provided you with information confirming our client’s medical position. Further medical information, to confirm our client’s medical position that she is unfit to participate in any processes at this time can be provided with the requirement that it is kept confidential.
“If you require sight of further medical information on a strictly confidential basis please let us know.” Fine Gael’s Alan Dillon told the Irish Mirror the letter is a “setback” for the Media Committee.
He said: “It represents yet another setback for our committee in grasping Ms Forbes’ actions fully, and, more crucially, for her to clarify the circumstances that have significantly damaged the national broadcaster’s reputation and finances.
“The former Director General has been given every chance to cooperate with our committee. Regrettably, her health issues have prevented her from taking part in any kind of process, and her sole communication regarding inquiries has only been through her legal
team.”