Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)

I wish to ask a procedural question that does not relate to the specific case mentioned. Has the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Pat Rabbitte, been in contact with RTE regarding the editorial procedures followed by those who make programmes such as "Prime Time"? I will not refer to the specific case in question because I understand the import of what the Cathaoirleach said. However, I am most concerned that the station proceeded against all the advice it was given in this matter. In this instance, a person had vehemently denied all the allegations made, was subsequently proved to be correct and then left swinging in the wind for 12 months and had his good name tarnished. On a general point of procedure, will the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, if he has not done so already, seek an urgent meeting with the director general of RTE to discover the nature and extent of the editorial procedures that apply in cases such as this?