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THE MINISTER FOR Communications Pat Rabbitte has condemned the Mission to Prey programme broadcast by RTÉ’s Prime Time Investigates as “a shoddy, unprofessional, cavalier, and damaging piece of work”.
The investigation by the former BBC executive Anna Carragher on behalf of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) examined the programme which defamed a Galway priest, Fr Kevin Reynolds, wrongly accusing him of fathering a child while a missionary in Africa in the 1980s.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Six One News this evening, Rabbitte said the BAI report had revealed “systematic failings” on behalf of the programme-makers. He added he found it disturbing that a man’s reputation could suffer so much damage based on nothing more than “uncorroborated gossip”.
“It’s more serious than I suspected at the time,” Rabbitte said.
In a statement released earlier, Rabbitte said:
It is clear that the Report poses a fundamental challenge for RTÉ if it is to re-establish the high level of trust that it has enjoyed amongst the Irish people. Regaining that trust is critical for RTÉ given that it is the Public Service broadcaster and significantly funded by the TV licence.
However, the Minister also commended the national broadcaster for the “raft of changes” it had implemented since the controversy broke.
When pushed on whether he retained any confidence in the RTÉ board, Rabbite said: “My confidence has been shaken, but I want to see what (the board) has to say”.
Rabbitte has requested a meeting with the RTÉ board and chairman for 8am on Tuesday morning to discuss the finding of the report.
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Spoken from the heart. Condolences to you and your family Christy. Rip
The line “How can I protect you in this crazy world” comes to mind. God be with you and your family Christy. RIP.
I can’t imagine how difficult it is for anyone losing a loved one at this time especially from Covid 19 and not being able to see them. My Dad is in a nursing home thank God is virus free but it terrifies me the thought of it getting in there.
@Brianán McBride: Fingers crossed for you all Brianán. I can only imagine how difficult these times are for you.
@Logan Shepherd: thank you, my poor Dad has advanced dementia, I get to speak to him twice a week on What’sApp video which is very reassuring.
@Brianán McBride: Having some form of contact is great. Stay strong, and here’s hoping you soon have your arms wrapped around your dad.
RIP -safe journey
You could see in many a program I’ve watched about Christy when his dad was a live he was not just his father but a best mate. R.i.p.
@Nigel O’Connor: You’re actually having a moan about a guy who’s just lost his dad in this way? He’s relaying what it’s like for everyone who has gone through this, not just himself or his own family. Give your head a wobble. RIP Mr Dignam and condolences to the Dignam family and to all who have lost a relative to Covid 19 and have not been able to give their loved one a proper goodbye.
God bless you and your family xxx
RIP
A gentleman x
We lost my father in law late April from cancer, not covid..he was in a nursing home…great care..but at the end of the day after 83 years only 8 of us at the funeral was awful…not normal but we realize it could have been worse and I think for years to come it will haunt many many people..bless them.
Sincere condolences Christy. So so sad.
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