RTE Chiefs Are Given Report on Libel Fiasco

By Edel Kennedy
Irish Independent
April 5, 2012

http://www.independent.ie/national-news/rte-chiefs-are-given-report-on-libel-fiasco-3072131.html

THE Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) report into the Fr Kevin Reynolds controversy will be delivered to RTE bosses today.

Sources have confirmed that the report was submitted to the BAI's lawyers for checking and is now ready to be given to RTE. The broadcaster has 14 days to examine it and respond.

The investigation was launched after 'Prime Time Investigates' falsely accused Galway priest Fr Kevin Reynolds of fathering a child in Africa.

The inquiry, ordered by Communications Minister Pat Rabbitte, was set up to consider whether segments had breached the Broadcasting Act.

RTE has since apologised to Fr Reynolds and accepted that the programme's allegations were baseless, without any foundation and untrue. The priest was awarded undisclosed damages by the High Court last year.

RTE this week announced major changes in its current affairs programming and the movement of two staff involved in the section.

Yesterday, Robert Dore, solicitor for Fr Reynolds, said the steps taken may be "premature" as they were taken before the outcome of the investigation was known.