RTÉ repeats Reynolds apology

RTÉ has rebroadcast an apology to a Co Galway priest following concerns expressed by viewers regarding the quality of the original broadcast.

RTÉ last week agreed to pay a substantial sum in compensatory and aggravated damages under a settlement of Fr Kevin Reynolds's High Court action for defamation arising from the Mission to Prey programme.

It subsequently broadcast an apology or "correction order" on foot of an order of the High Court. Tonight's apology was broadcast after the Nine O’Clock News.

In a statement issued to the press earlier this evening, RTÉ said it would rebroadcast the apology following concerns expressed by viewers regarding the quality of the original broadcast.

The "correction order", as it was referred to in the RTÉ statement, was originally broadcast on RTÉ last week.

The Mill Hill Missionary Society priest secured the correction order from the High Court under section 30 (1) of The Defamation Act 2009, which requires publication of the correction of a defamation.

On Tuesday, the Government ordered an independent inquiry into the circumstances of RTÉ's defamation of Fr Kevin Reynolds, who is to receive a significant sum in aggravated and compensatory damages from the broadcaster.

Tonight's statement also announced temporary replacements for senior executives who have stepped aside from their roles for the duration of the inquiry.

Cillian de Paor will act as Managing Director of RTÉ News and Current Affairs and Steve Carson will act as Editor of Current Affairs and Executive Editor of Prime Time Investigates while maintaining his responsibility as Director of Programmes, RTÉ Television.

The appointments come after RTÉ news managing director Ed Mulhall and current affairs editor Ken O’Shea stepped aside from their roles while the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland inquiry takes place.