Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 157: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the steps being taken to ensure that broadcasting both public and private is fair, objective and impartial; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25800/12]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Fairness and impartiality is a critical component of broadcasting; audiences and citizens deserve to have access to programme material that is objective and free from bias, and particularly so when the broadcaster is publicly funded, as in the case of RTÉ and TG4.

Since the introduction of the Broadcasting Act 2009, there is a single regulator in place, the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI), which is empowered to investigate complaints and to enforce a number of codes, including a Code of Impartiality and Fairness.

Recent events have unsurprisingly and correctly led to an unprecedented focus on journalistic practices and standards in RTÉ. The nature and extent of the failures exposed in RTÉ's investigation of the accusations against Fr Reynold's are such that the Broadcaster has had very serious questions to answer around how it conducts its business, and how the entire organisation delivers on its critical public service broadcasting mandate.

At a meeting with the Board of RTÉ on the 8th of May, I requested that I be provided with a report detailing the range of actions that RTÉ had already taken and, in addition, were proposing to take to ensure that the breaches and failures which occurred in this case will never happen again. I have also asked that RTÉ report on a quarterly basis on progress in implementing these reforms and improved practices. My Department has a key oversight role in this regard. The first of these reports was received on Tuesday 15th of May, and my Department is following up on the implementation process. RTÉ face a long road in terms of regaining public confidence in their output, and much work will be required to rebuild their reputation for high quality investigative journalism, a reputation that was hard won in the first place.

The positive response taken by RTÉ to the recommendations of the BAI and Horgan Reports and the measures already instigated are the first but necessary steps for RTÉ in its difficult journey towards rebuilding public trust.

Also, I note that the BAI have recently published a new draft Code of Impartiality and Fairness, which sets out a number of improved rules for broadcasters when it comes to the treatment of news and current affairs. The Consultation has closed for submissions, and I look forward to the publication of a final Code later this year as a further step to reinforce the measures already in place to ensure the objectivity and impartiality of broadcasting.