The Government has approved the nomination of Dee Forbes, the Irish woman who is currently head of the Discovery Channel in Europe, as the next director-general of RTÉ.

Minister for Communications Alex White said he was confident Ms Forbes, who was selected to replace Noel Curran as RTÉ chief by the broadcaster’s board on Friday, would bring “strong and insightful leadership” to her new role.

“Dee Forbes is a woman of high calibre, with considerable experience in the broadcasting world,” he said. “She comes to RTÉ at a time of great challenge and opportunity for the organisation, and indeed for public service broadcasting.

‘Strong and insightful leadership’

“I am confident that the new director-general will provide strong and insightful leadership to RTÉ, and I wish her every success in her new role.”

Mr White paid tribute to outgoing director-general Mr Curran, who he said had led the broadcaster through a troubled period.

“I would also like to acknowledge the excellent work and superb leadership of Noel Curran, who has steered RTÉ through some very difficult times and put the organisation on a sustainable financial footing,” he said.

Mr White added the Government consented to the appointment of Ms Forbes in accordance with Section 89 of the Broadcasting Act 2009.

The appointment comes on foot of a public recruitment process run by RTÉ.