Martin concerned by BAI findings

Fianna Fáil Leader Micheál Martin said today that he is gravely concerned by the findings of the Broadcasting Aurthority's Investigation into an RTÉ programme.

Fianna Fáil Leader Micheál Martin said today that he is gravely concerned by the findings of the Broadcasting Authority's investigation into an RTÉ programme.

Yesterday, the BAI fined the State broadcaster €200,000 over the 'Mission to Prey' programme, which falsely accused Fr Kevin Reynolds of sex crimes in Africa.

The BAI report found that there was a significant failure of editorial and managerial controls within RTÉ.

RTÉ's director general said that he accepts the criticisms and is now working to rebuild the public's trust with new structures and standards.

Deputy Martin says we need to be re-assured that something like this will not happen again.

"One aspect of the report that I think needs further consideration is the reference to a systemic failure," he said.

"There is a suggestion, and a strong, perhaps, indication that this is not just a once-off.

"All of us who are committed to public-sector broadcasting, and I am, need to be absolutely clear as to the importance of that statement in the report, and I think we need to be clear and reassured in whatever manner is best, it might be through some independent manner, that this is not systemic."