RTÉ’s Director General says the broadcaster’s decision to remove Derek Mooney from presenter pay lists by reclassifying him as a producer is justified and not the result of an undisclosed arrangement. According to reports, the RTÉ chief responds to claims that Mooney’s pay status change amounted to a side deal or an improper outcome. The broadcaster maintains that the reclassification reflects Mooney’s role and is consistent with how RTÉ categorizes staff for pay purposes. The comments come amid ongoing discussion about how RTÉ determines presenter and producer roles, and how pay lists are compiled. While the outlet coverage focuses on whether the change was handled transparently, both accounts attributed to RTÉ leadership characterize the move as legitimate and procedurally appropriate. The reports indicate no agreement was reached as a special arrangement, with RTÉ stating that the decision is based on role classification rather than any negotiated exception.