Station stands by programme move

THE State’s Irish language radio station yesterday insisted that there is no link between the axing of its second most popular programme and complaints from a Fianna Fáil MEP.

The withdrawal of the morning programme, Cúrsaí an Lae, from the Ráidió na Gaeltachta schedule is part of an ongoing reshuffle at the station, according to the deputy head of the station Dónall Ó Braonáin.

Last week, the Irish language newspaper Lá reported that a letter had been sent by Fianna Fáil MEP Seán Ó Neachtain in October complaining about broadcaster Neasa Ní Chualáin, presenter of the station’s Cúrsaí an Lae.

The letter, written on official European Commission stationery, alleged that an interview had been biased against the Galway-based MEP for Ulster and Connacht, Mr Ó Neachtain.

It is understood that before Christmas, staff at Ráidió na Gaeltachta were informed of the second phase of reshuffling which involved the axing of Cúrsaí an Lae.

Yesterday, Fine Gael’s Dinny McGinley said that any “fundamental changes” to the radio schedule should be explained by Ráidió na Gaeltachta. He said he would be seeking an explanation from the radio station and its advisory council in the coming days.

However, Ráidió na Gaeltachta yesterday insisted that the changes, which will be implemented on February 5, follow a change in management and a commitment to developing its programmes. Mr Ó’Braonáin said the proposed changes had been discussed last summer and staff had been involved in the consultation process.

Cúrsaí an Lae will be replaced on February 5 with a similar programme entitled Tris Anir.