Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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86. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if his attention has been drawn to whistleblower allegations regarding the conduct of RTÉ during the 2011 presidential election; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37363/18]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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On 10 September 2018 I received an email from a member of the Oireachtas, which contained the anonymous contents of a message that the member had received which contained allegations regarding RTÉ during and subsequent to the 2011 Presidential Election. In this email, the member indicated that they would be contacting the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) in relation to the contents of the message.  

The BAI is the independent statutory regulator charged with ensuring that Irish broadcasters comply with the requirements of the Broadcasting Act 2009 and subsequent codes and rules prepared by it. Under Section 53 of the Act, the Compliance Committee of the BAI has the power to decide to conduct an investigation into an apparent breach by a broadcaster of a requirement of the Act or of broadcasting codes and rules. I note that the BAI Authority and Compliance Committee considered a number of complaints in respect of related matters in 2012.

Given the independent role of the regulator and its powers under the Broadcasting Act, it is the appropriate body to consider this matter, and I have informed the member accordingly.

In addition, I have asked my officials to bring this matter to the attention of the BAI which I can confirm they have done so.