Michael Mullins (Fine Gael)

On behalf of the family, I am calling on the Minister to ensure the segment dealing with the deceased Christian Brother be included in the inquiry. The family are firmly of the belief that the solitary allegation made against him was untrue, and in that three-minute segment his good reputation, built up over 60 years, was severely damaged. They believe he has been defamed, and I have no reason to believe they are incorrect. All I am asking is that this segment of the programme be included in the inquiry. In the interest of natural justice, this must happen. Even though the man is deceased, his family are living throughout this country, and they are entitled to attempt to have his name cleared. In addition, because there will be continuing calls for inquiries about this segment, it would save the State money if it were included in the proposed inquiry. The family members have written to the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Rabbitte, and also to the chief executive of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland. I am asking the Leader to liaise with the Minister and insist that this segment of the programme also be investigated as part of the independent inquiry.