The following is the full text of a statement issued last night by broadcaster Pat Kenny, through a public relations firm, in relation to his contractual arrangements with RTÉ.
I welcome today's decision by RTÉ to publish details of my earnings. In the past I have not commented on the contractual arrangements between RTÉ and my company as I believe this is private commercially sensitive information. However, to avoid unnecessary speculation, I believe that this is an appropriate time for me to comment on the arrangements in place to provide my services to RTÉ.
My career has been exclusively with RTÉ for 37 years on radio and television and I am honoured that RTE have continued to renew the contract for my services, and have recognised the contribution that I make to RTÉ's output on radio and television, as well as attracting significant commercial revenues.
These contracts are negotiated on a regular basis and reflect the circumstances prevailing at the time of negotiation. My last contract reflected a particularly buoyant time for RTÉ revenues, not least those generated by the Late Late Show.
My recent negotiations with RTÉ on a new radio and television contract took place over a number of months late last year against the backdrop of the deteriorating and current economic difficulties.
The objective of those negotiations was to achieve a package that was fair to both sides, which reflected the new reality, that took account of my experience and that would be proportionate to the services that I provide on radio and television, in terms of broadcast output and quality.
In discussing my future at RTÉ I did not see myself continuing with the Late Late Show for another five years. I was delighted when RTÉ offered me the challenge of creating and presenting a new current affairs programme which has become The Frontline .
My negotiations reflected the new proposition and my commitment to remain at RTÉ for the long term. Those negotiations concluded last December. At that time we agreed a reduction in the contracted fee of over 25 per cent. As is my policy, I did not comment publicly on the new arrangement, and the significant reduction it entailed.
Some weeks after that contract was signed, in February of this year I was asked to make a further contribution to cost savings given the persistent economic difficulties facing the country and RTÉ. Notwithstanding the fact that I had only recently signed a new contract I indicated that I would not be found wanting and agreed to an additional 10 per cent cut in the fees agreed for 2009.
The cumulative reductions amount to more than one third of the contracted sum, reducing it to €630,000, or to 2002 levels. In addition I agreed to extend my working year on television from 38 to 46 weeks, and to present radio programmes during the summer months where previously I was on holiday.
I am satisfied that the significant reduction in the fees paid to my company takes account of current economic circumstances while also reflecting my experience over 37 years in broadcasting at RTÉ.
I will have no further comment to make on this matter.