RTÉ Confirms 325 Staff Apply for Voluntary Exit Amid Restructuring Drive

RTÉ Confirms 325 Staff Apply for Voluntary Exit Amid Restructuring Drive

By Aaron Joyce | L.T.T Media | 23 May 2025

Dublin — Ireland’s national broadcaster RTÉ has confirmed that 325 staff members have applied to leave the organisation under its newly launched Voluntary Exit Programme (VEP), part of a sweeping cost-cutting and restructuring plan unveiled in the wake of a turbulent year.

The broadcaster, which is targeting up to 400 job cuts over the coming years, described the response to the VEP as “substantial,” though it remains unclear how many of the applications will be accepted.

Announced earlier this year, the programme forms a core element of RTÉ’s plan to reduce its headcount, streamline operations, and restore financial stability after a series of high-profile controversies and funding shortfalls rocked public confidence.

Taoiseach Urges Transparency, Support for Staff

Speaking on Friday, Taoiseach Simon Harris said the scale of the applications was “indicative of the deep uncertainty within RTÉ,” and called on management to ensure that all exits are handled fairly and transparently.

“There must be clear communication and proper support for workers who are making the difficult decision to leave,” he said. “This moment also requires RTÉ to outline a coherent vision for what the organisation will look like post-restructuring.”

Journalists, Technicians, and Admin Staff Among Applicants

While RTÉ has not provided a breakdown of applicants by department, it is understood that staff across all divisions — including editorial, production, technical, and administrative roles — have signalled interest in departing. The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) has warned against a “drain of experience and institutional knowledge” as the cuts are implemented.

“This is a moment of reckoning for public service broadcasting in Ireland,” said Séamus Dooley, Irish Secretary of the NUJ. “We need assurances that journalistic capacity and programme quality will not be sacrificed in pursuit of financial targets.”

Context: Fallout From Payments Scandal

The restructuring follows last year’s damaging payments scandal, which exposed irregularities in talent pay disclosures and led to a crisis in governance. In its aftermath, the Government pledged additional short-term funding — but made clear that long-term support would depend on reform, efficiency, and restored public trust.

RTÉ has since promised to overhaul its financial reporting, reduce reliance on high-paid presenters, and modernise its digital output. The exit programme is expected to cost tens of millions in the short term, but management argue it will save more over time.

Next Steps

RTÉ says it will assess the 325 applications over the coming weeks, with decisions expected by late summer. Successful applicants will begin exiting the organisation from the autumn.

In a statement, Director General Kevin Bakhurst said: “We recognise the immense contribution made by staff over many years. Our focus now is to ensure that this process supports a more sustainable, agile, and digitally focused RTÉ — one that can continue to serve the Irish public for decades to come.”