RTE presenter Derek Mooney’s reclassification as a producer was not a side deal, the station’s director general has said.

Terence O’Rourke made his comments as he was appearing before a Dáil committee on Wednesday.

Terence O’Rourke appeared before the Media Committee on Wednesday.

Catherine Martin said she discussed the programme of reform at the crisis-hit broadcaster.

Catherine Martin confirmed that she will meet with the new chair later this week.

Sinn Féin's Pearse Doherty called for the Minister for Media to answer questions in the Dáil on the matter

Mr O’Rourke’s appointment was agreed by Coalition leaders on Monday night and will go to Cabinet for approval on Tuesday