Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

This investigation will be into the nature of the editorial process on the evening of the debate. The compliance committee of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland which met this morning is likely to have sought further clarification from RTE in the matter. The chairman of the Joint Committee on Communications, Natural Resources and Agriculture, Deputy Andrew Doyle, has announced that RTE management will be called before the joint committee to respond to the outcome of the BAI compliance committee investigation. This is likely to take place in a matter of weeks.

The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources informed the Cabinet that he was in receipt of a letter from Mr. Gallagher, who is the subject of the matter. The Minister replied to Mr. Gallagher yesterday, noting the critical importance of the trustworthiness, impartiality and objectivity of the national broadcaster to our democratic institutions. The Minister also informed the Cabinet that he was aware of the specifics of the media report and comments thereon, both by people from RTE and others. In his reply to Mr. Gallagher, he pointed out that everyone is aware that the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland is the independent body with statutory responsibility for the regulation of broadcasting in the country. He informed Mr. Gallagher that if new evidence emerged impinging on findings made in relation to the complaint, referencing Mr. Gallagher's correspondence, the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, through its compliance committee, would ensure it is dealt with expeditiously and comprehensively. The Minister informed the Cabinet that he had sent on Mr. Gallagher's letter to the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland.

Deputy Martin has many years experience of taking part in current affairs and topical programmes in RTE studios where the matter of questions being asked in a concise and realistic fashion was always an issue before programmes began. In the case of the comment made by a member of the audience at this particular debate, there appears to be an allegation that RTE in some way attempted to gun down Mr. Gallagher. This appears to be the source of an allegation which is disputed, obviously, by RTE.

Deputy Martin will be also aware of the pending report arising from the very serious case of Fr. Kevin Reynolds which has come forth. In that case, RTE itself has commissioned an internal inquiry with an outside person.

BAI investigated and analysed the tweet and regarded it as unfair to Mr. Gallagher. The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources has responded to a letter from Mr. Gallagher regarding the statutory and independent responsibility of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland and its compliance committee and has pointed out that if there is evidence, that committee is the proper place to deal with it expeditiously and comprehensively. In addition, Deputy Andrew Doyle will call the board of RTE before the Joint Committee on Communications, Natural Resources and Agriculture in a short time to have further discussions about this.

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