Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

With respect to the Minister, Deputy Rabbitte, his political history has a long tradition of cherishing that principle.

Can the Taoiseach outline his views on this matter? I am not saying the Oireachtas is the ideal forum for this inquiry, because of the natural tensions between the Oireachtas and the fourth estate which should be always there. It is Ministers who have broadened the debate. I do not accept the premise put forward by the Minister, Deputy Varadkar, but he has broadened the debate.

RTE itself has decided to develop an internal investigation, albeit with external personnel, into its editorial practices and risks to the broadcaster. The BAI, while initially finding fault with the utilisation and provenance of the tweet, did not follow on with a further investigation or see the need for it. There is an element of unfinished business and matters have been left hanging.

Is the Taoiseach satisfied that the steps that have been taken to date are sufficient to restore public confidence in the broadcaster, which is the central issue? The central objective of everything that should happen now is to restore public confidence in our public service broadcaster. Is the Taoiseach satisfied that what is now being done will be sufficient to achieve that objective?

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