High profile staff at RTÉ who undertake work outside the station risk dismissal unless they adhere to a strict revised code developed by the station's managment.
The revised code says RTÉ staff who get involved with commercial broadcasting companies will be required to resign, unless it is in RTÉ's interest for them to participate in a particular programme.
Those who take voluntary severance from the station, says the code, are not allowed to engage in any activity detrimental to the interests of RTÉ.
The staff code has been revised following controversy last year over training sessions given to health board executives by newscaster Bryan Dobson.
The chairman of the Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Mr Noel O'Flynn, last night welcomed the revised code and said it was now very clear what procedures staff must follow. "It is important for the public that RTÉ be seen as objective and this code achieves that in my view," he said.
In future, any staff member wishing to engage in "revenue earning activities" must, without exception, seek divisional head approval in writing before doing so. The divisional head must then retain a record of all requests by staff.
Breaches of these procedures could involve penalties up to the level of dismissal, says the revised code. The code says all journalistic staff must disclose to their divisional head "any beneficial interest" in any commercial activity, whether a family business or otherwise.
The code says while staff should be allowed to give expression to particular skills and talents, staff must obtain written approval from their divisional head before embarking on such work. Other than in exceptional circumstances, journalistic staff are not allowed write about areas they are currently broadcasting about.
"Staff who have approval to contribute to external publications will not write opinion pieces/express opinions on topics in respect of which their broadcasting would be required to be objective and impartial," says the code.
The code says staff in news and current affairs will require "special written permission from the divisional head" to engage in training courses, whether voluntary or on a paid basis. The code says the principal spokespeople for RTÉ are the director general, Mr Cathal Goan, and the director of communications, Ms Bride Rosney, plus members of the executive board.
It says staff must not under any circumstances give information to newspapers or other media about "any aspect of RTÉ's activities".
Meanwhile RTÉ has confirmed to Mr O'Flynn that a small surplus for 2003 has been produced. The figure is believed to be about €500,000, although the details will not be released until RTÉ issues its annual report.