Ex-cleric settles his court case over RTÉ broadcast

A former Catholic archbishop has settled his High Court action alleging he was defamed and wrongly depicted as a paedophile in the May 2011 RTÉ Prime Time Investigates: Mission to Prey programme.

RTÉ deputy director general Kevin Bakhurst insisted afterwards the broadcaster had paid “no damages, whatsoever” to Richard Burke under the settlement, but had made a “contribution” to his costs.

In a statement after the settlement, Mr Burke’s solicitor Robert Dore said his client was a “man of truth”, who had “consistently and vehemently” denied allegations he had underage sex with Dolores Atwood. The settlement meant Mr Burke has “no exposure to costs”, the statement added.