RTÉ has finally opened its voluntary redundancy scheme, with the upper limit staff can receive set at €300,000, writes Brian Mahon.

The national broadcaster has been beset by controversies in recent years which ultimately revealed the financially perilous position it was in.

The last government refused to sign off on the redundancy scheme until after the election, which will see up to 400 staff members leave the organisation.

In a letter to staff yesterday, RTÉ director general Kevin Bakhurst said the scheme will be open to employees who have completed “at least two years continuous service” by the time their employment ends.

Applications will close in a month’s time.

Those with two to five years service will be entitled to four weeks pay per year of service, those with five to 10 years will qualify for five weeks per year, while those with over ten years’ service will receive six weeks pay per year.

“While the Department of Public Expenditure NDP Delivery and Reform has given RTÉ approval to operate a VEP [Voluntary Exit Programme] this year, any future VEP, if approved, could be less financially beneficial than the one we are opening today,” he said.

“Payments will be capped at €300,000 and senior management will not be eligible to join the scheme.

“Final decisions on all applications being made by the Leadership Team and final oversight by the RTÉ Board’s Remuneration and Management Committee.”