RTÉ bosses defend controversial cocaine documentary

RTÉ bosses have defended the controversial 'High Society' cocaine documentary during an appearance before the Oireachtas Communications Committee today.

Facing a grilling from committee members, RTÉ managing director Noel Curran said he was satisfied with the veracity of claims that a top politician had admitted to regularly using cocaine.

However, he said he could not name the politician.

The documentary, made by Justine Delaney-Wilson, also claimed an airline pilot, a teacher and a nun had also admitted to using the drug.

RTÉ has come in for major criticism over the lack of supporting evidence and has admitted that its editorial controls were not sufficiently exercised before the programme was aired.