THE IRISH SUN has claimed that traces of heroin have been found in the canteen toilets of RTÉ.

The claim follows allegations by the Sunday Independent that both RTÉ and the gardaí had turned a blind eye to illegal drug use by the organisation’s top staff – claims which have been strenuously denied.

The Sun claims that a reporter gained access to RTÉ studios and swabbed for traces of illegal drugs using a testing kit. It says that “suspected traces of of street heroin” were found on the a toilet lid in the main canteen.

Kevin Dawson, RTÉ’s Head of Corporate Communications, told the newspaper should “make available to the gardaí without delay all of the information and materials in its possession” for evaluation. He added that the broadcaster would then “await advice from the gardaí and will co-operate fully”.

Dawson insisted that the health, safety and welfare of RTÉ staff are a priority. He also pointed out:

The traces as described have been found in the part of RTÉ’s premises most frequently accessed both by staff and by visitors to RTÉ including the general public.

Meanwhile the Irish Examiner reports that RTÉ and the government are at loggerheads after comments by Pat Carey, the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs. Carey said that RTÉ – and the media in general – were “very judgemental” about the circumstances surrounding the death of model Katy French in December 2007, which was linked to cocaine, and that it had now “come home to roost in their own case”.

Carey added that it was essential for large organisations like RTÉ to assist staff who may be suffering from drug abuse:

It’s too easy to turn a blind eye to people’s idiosyncrasies, or whatever, but lives are at risk. At the end of this chain there’s a dealer, there is someone making money.