Former staff Claire Byrne and Ray D'Arcy among RTÉ's top earners for 2025
Two of its former presenters, Claire Byrne and Ray D'Arcy were among RTÉ's top 10 earners in 2025 according to figures published tonight.The broadcaster has confirmed that Claire Byrne, since departed to Newstalk, was RTÉ's top earner last year with €280,000 through Derrough Media.The second highest was Patrick Kielty, whose future as the host of The Late Late Show was in doubt in recent weeks, with €266,323 through Pamanco Ireland.Miriam O'Callaghan, through Baby Blue Productions, received €244,797; Brendan O'Connor received €239,998 through BOC Communications and Ray D'Arcy, who left the station accusing RTÉ of treating him "really badly" earned €219,992 through Whatnext Productions.All of the top five were referred to as contractors by RTÉ.The remainder of the top five are classed as employees.David McCullagh received €206,393; Derek Mooney was paid €202,264; Darragh Moloney earned €197,840; George Lee was paid €194,406; and Dáithí Ó Sé, who is classed as an employee and contractor received €192,809.The broadcaster said it made the decision to consider all personnel holding dual roles (such as producer-presenter, or editor–presenter for inclusion in its top 10 highest-earning presenters for 2025."RTÉ’s reconsideration has led to the inclusion of Derek Mooney in the list. He currently undertakes some presenting duties as part of his dual role as producer/presenter and, as such, is included in the Top Ten table."
