The broadcaster has previously stated that the hosts pay was at €250,000 per year, however it has been revealed that he has been paid an additional €23,980 across 2024 and 2025.
It is understood that Kielty received extra payments as he was "required" to present extra shows that were not in his contract.
When interviewed by Press Association, Bakhurst was asked about the extra payments to Kielty he told them: “The 250,000 was for the run of The Late Late, and then there was some exceptional ones like the Christmas programme, which we didn’t decide at the beginning. But there was something in his initial contract three years ago, which was if you did an extra programme, then you’d be paid for that programme.”
Bakhurst has previously stated that nobody at RTÉ should earn more than he does. He has a basic salary of €250,000 and is also entitled to a car allowance of €25,000 and a pension contribution of €62,500.
Kielty has recently come to the end of his three year contract and it is currently unknown if he will return to The Late Late Show. When asked about the empty position, Bakhurst said that he would “love to keep Patrick” as host for the programme.
The Director General is reportedly in line for a pay rise of €20,000 if it is approved by the government. When asked about the potential pay rise Bakhurst said that the "DG salary hasn't been increased for a long time, and I don't know whether that is in process, but that's not my decision."
