Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 May 2012
454 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will support the publication of all relevant documents related to the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland’s report into Raidió Teilifis Éireann’s “Prime Time Investigates” programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24883/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 23 May 2011.
The scope, terms of reference, timeline and conduct of the investigation, including the publication of documents referred to by the Deputy, are matters for the BAI, pursuant to Section 53 of the Broadcasting Act 2009. Neither I, nor my Department, has a role in this process.
