RTÉ board to reject legal waiver criticism

The RTÉ board is expected to reject criticism by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland that it failed to waive legal privilege for an inquiry into the Prime Time Investigates programme at a special meeting with Pat Rabbitte, the communications minister, today.

Mr Rabbitte sought an urgent meeting with the RTÉ board, which was due to be held at 8am, following the publication of the highly critical report by the BAI-appointed investigator Anna Carragher on Friday.

The report found the “Mission to Prey” programme had breached the Broadcasting Act 2009 and sharply criticised its making. The programme seriously defamed Galway priest Fr Kevin Reynolds. The BAI also issued a fine of €200,000 to RTÉ.