As the RTÉ covert payments issue rages on, the host expressed his hope that he might contribute to some clarification.

Patrick Kielty claims in a statement sent through his publicist that he will receive more than €8,000 for each Late Late Show he conducts.

According to him, the contract is for 30 programs every season through 2026, and if RTE needs more than that, it will pay him €8,000 for each additional show.

In addition, he claimed that although the broadcaster had agreed to cover his travel and lodging costs, this had been waived and he would now be responsible for both his own travel to and from Ireland as well as his own lodging.

The County Down host also claims that he would get a one-time payment of 20,000 euros to help with pre-production and rehearsal costs for the upcoming season of the program.

Patrick said in a statement: “I’m pleased to finally be able to share that I’ve signed a three-season deal to host The Late Late Show beginning this September. The contract allows me to submit flight and accommodation expenses, but I’ve waived this. I’ve made it clear to RTE that I will be covering my own flights and accommodation costs. I genuinely hope this helps clarify things going forward. I can’t wait to get started.”