Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 March 2012
13 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when he expects to receive the recommendations of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland investigation into the Fr. Kevin Reynolds case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12857/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs you are aware, the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) is an independent regulator responsible for the oversight of compliance in relation to broadcast content. The Compliance Committee monitors and enforces compliance by broadcasters with various aspects of the relevant legislation relating to fairness, impartiality and enforcement of standards.
On foot of a decision by Government, I requested that the Compliance Committee of the BAI use its powers under Section 53 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 to investigate whether RTÉ had met its statutory responsibilities around objectivity, fairness and impartiality in respect of the programme "Prime Time Investigates — Mission to Prey" broadcast by RTÉ on 23rd May 2011. I should emphasise that the scope, terms of reference and timeline for the investigation are matters for the BAI, pursuant to Section 53 of the Broadcasting Act 2009. Neither I, nor this Department, have a role in this process. I do, however, expect the report on this matter to be completed before the end of this month.
As this statutory investigation is ongoing, I believe it would be inappropriate for me to make further comment on this issue and that the Investigating Officer should be allowed to complete her work and make appropriate recommendations.
