Forbes still not fit to appear before Oireachtas
Mike Finnerty 08 Mar 2024
Former RTÉ boss Dee Forbes is still unfit and is in no state to appear before an Oireachtas committee, her solicitors have claimed.
In a letter sent to the media committee, her solicitors confirmed Forbes was not in a position to work with the committee due to remaining under active medical care.
The nature of Forbes’ illness has not been disclosed.
Calls to get Forbes to appear before the committee last November were turned down by Forbbes’ team, claiming she was in no condition to appear.
A PAC source told the Irish Mirror last November “we have to accept her doctor’s word that she is sick in good faith. Up until now they just sent us a letter saying she is ill.”
At the time, the source said “Forbes has effectively been sick for over five months now and we do not know what is wrong with her. She has sent us a medical certificate and we have to respect that.”
The committee wrote to Forbes looking for her to give evidence, either through written submissions or via videolink.
Forbes’ solicitors, following consultation with Forbes, declined the invite.
“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,” the letter from Forbes’ solicitors read.
“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.”
Committee chair Niamh Smyth said it was “disappointing” they would not be able to engage with Forbes.
The role played by Forbes’ in the unravelling of RTÉ is one of the main unanswered questions 9 months on from the scandal erupting.
Forbes’ actions as RTÉ boss have been unclear in the contest of the payment scandal and subsequent governance issues at the Donnybrook station.
Tánaiste Mícheal Martin said key witnesses, such as Forbes, should give evidence to the committee even if it means appearing via video link.
He said in February “we have to respect people in terms of ill health and if people are not well enough to attend.”
“That said, maybe other avenues could be explored as to how evidence could be taken in that respect or presentations could be taken.”
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