Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)

I am not often lost for words but in all my time in this House I have never less anticipated a line of questioning than we have just heard from my friend, Deputy Fleming. The innuendo is outrageous. Of course, it is a matter of public record that I canvassed on behalf of my former parliamentary colleague - of course it is true. I was canvassing with him on the day on which the programme in question was broadcast. Of course it is true that I made a financial donation to his campaign. That donation was twice the size that has been reported in some quarters. I understand that matter has since been corrected with the appropriate authorities.

To suggest that because I campaigned on behalf of my former parliamentary colleague has any bearing on an investigation of a complaint on behalf of a defeated candidates in the presidential election is little short of outrageous. I did not conduct this inquiry. Under the Broadcasting Act 2009, the investigation is a matter for an independent body, namely, the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland. It is a matter for the authority to consider certain categories of complaint. The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland considered this complaint and found that, in the particular regard referred to, it was unfair to Mr. Gallagher. Earlier this morning I said most reasonable people in the country would agree with that conclusion. That continues to be my view. I do not know how in heaven's name Deputy Sean Fleming can think that I am conflicted in my approach to this issue. It is a matter for an independent statutorily established body, the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, to investigate a complaint such as this and it has done so. It has found grounds for the complaint and it is a matter for the RTE authorities to respond as appropriate when the board meets.

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