Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Yes, the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources updated the Cabinet in respect of developments in this matter. I share the Deputy's view, as do all others, of the critical importance of objectivity in so far as the national broadcaster is concerned with regard to public life in Ireland, to life in general in Ireland and to our democratic institutions.

Deputy Martin is aware of what happened in this case. This, now infamous, tweet has been the subject of an investigation by the independent Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, BAI, which has statutory responsibility for the regulation of broadcasting in Ireland. The finding of that investigation was that the broadcasting of the unverified tweet was unfair to Mr. Gallagher at the time, but the authority found no evidence that either the broadcaster, the presenter or the production team deliberately concealed information or constructed the programme in a manner that lacked either objectivity or impartiality. Deputy Martin will be aware of comments made over the weekend about this.

RTE has announced an internal investigation led by an outside and independent person. I note comments from Deputy Martin's party in that regard.

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