RTÉ settles defamation case over fraud reference

A defamation case taken by a Co Cork woman against RTÉ arising out of a Prime Time Investigates programme on social welfare fraud has been settled.

Mary Philomena Porter, aged 59, of Riverview House, Midleton, Co Cork, had mounted a civil action against RTÉ and RTÉ Commercial Enterprises Ltd for damages, interest, and costs arising out of the programme broadcast by RTÉ on Dec 7, 2009.

At a sitting of Midleton Circuit Court yesterday, counsel for Ms Porter, Tom Power BL, told Judge Patrick Moran the matter had been settled.

Mr Power said Ms Porter, a “survivor of an orphanage” in Cobh, Co Cork, and the author of a book entitled You May Talk Now was represented in “a certain way” in the programme.

He said the manner in which she was represented “upset her greatly” and distressed her.

Mr Power said a statement of clarification, which was read out in court yesterday, should help to “restore the good name and reputation” of the client.

Reading from the prepared statement yesterday, counsel for RTÉ, Brendan Kirwan BL, said that in its Prime Time Investigates programme of Dec 7, 2009, RTÉ addressed the “important issue of social welfare fraud — a matter of significant public interest”.

“For purposes of explanation of a serious and substantial fraud committed by another person, the programme referred to Mary Philomena Porter,” he said.

“RTÉ is happy to state that it did not suggest nor does it suggest that Mary Philomena Porter was a participant in, or guilty of that fraud or any fraud and RTÉ is happy to acknowledge her good reputation in her community.”

Judge Moran struck out the proceedings with the plaintiff’s legal costs to be paid by RTÉ.