Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 328: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if any amending legislation of the Broadcasting Act is likely, necessary or contemplated in the wake of a recent settlement by the national broadcaster; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37645/11]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) is established as an independent statutory body under the Broadcasting Act 2009. Part 3 of the 2009 Act also outlines the codes governing standards and practice to be observed by broadcasters. The Compliance Committee of the BAI is charged under the Act with ensuring that all broadcasters, whether public or private, comply with their licence conditions and with the standards set out in the broadcasting codes and rules.

With reference to the specific case cited by the Deputy, It was decided by Cabinet that there should be an independent inquiry to determine the true facts and circumstances which led to the Prime Time programme on Fr. Reynolds being broadcast on RTÉ in May of this year.

As the Deputy is aware, I have accordingly requested that the BAI Compliance Committee uses its powers under section 53 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 to determine whether RTE has met its statutory responsibilities around objectivity, impartiality and fairness. I have asked that the Committee then report and make any recommendations in respect of this to the Authority. The decision of Government requests that the Report be concluded within two months.

It is my view that this is the most appropriate approach in the circumstances. The question of amending the Broadcasting Act 2009 as a result of the matter referred to by the Deputy is not under consideration.