BROADCASTER BRYAN DOBSON was on The Late Late Show this week, talking about some of the most memorable and significant moments of his time helming Six One and why he made the switch to radio.

However, he was also quizzed on the controversy surrounding the pay gap between himself and former co-anchor Sharon Ní Bheoláin.

Last summer, it was revealed that Dobson earned between €60,000 – €80,000 more than Ní Bheoláin per year in 2014. Ní Bheoláin confirmed the gap to The Irish Independent, adding that it reduced in recent years.

In return for a pay rise, I have also undertaken extra duties. I believe that I am well remunerated, but for the record, my pay is still considerably less than that of Bryan’s.”

RTÉ RTÉ

Speaking to Ryan Tubridy, he said he understood the public interest in the story but said it was “rather unsettlingly when you report the news to become the news”.

I was surprised by the figures as Sharon revealed them, and I found it difficult to see the justification for the difference.

I absolutely believe in the principle that you pay equal pay for equal work. I don’t think anybody has any toleration of gender discrimination within jobs.”

He explained that an inquiry took place within RTÉ which revealed an ‘imbalance overall’. He also acknowledged that the issue goes beyond ‘equal pay for equal work’, with women being kept in lower paid jobs, women working part-time as well as missing out promotional opportunities.

I think we are definitely at a turning point. The genie’s out of the bottle. I say this as a man, I think this is a thoroughly good, healthy development.

I don’t think it would do men any harm if there’s a bit of a shift towards greater respect for women, greater equality for women, greater involvement for women in decision-making.”

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