Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail)

I would like to get the details of a discussion or correspondence the Cathaoirleach had with RTE in regard to a case which I will not discuss. I refer to the principle of the independence of the Oireachtas and freedom of Members of the Oireachtas to speak on issues that affect them, subject only to the regulation of the Houses in which they serve and to the Chair's rulings which I respect.

Today's edition of The Irish Times reported that RTE contacted the Cathaoirleach and stated that the Cathaoirleach was happy to be made aware of the long-standing principle of not discussing in the Oireachtas a case that was still before the courts. What was the Cathaoirleach's response to RTE? Did he tell it to go away, which is what he should have told it?