The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland has admitted that legislation did not prevent it from interviewing Fr Kevin Reynolds as part of its inquiry into the Prime Time Investigates programme which defamed the Galway priest.
It follows criticism by Fr Reynolds’s solicitor of the BAI over its failure to contact the priest during its investigation into the ‘Mission to Prey’ documentary on RTÉ.
Lawyer Robert Dore said it was "extraordinary" that neither he nor his client were asked for information by the BAI about their dealings with RTÉ in the making of the programme.
Mr Dore said he believed they could have provided input into the approach adopted by RTÉ in defending its claims Fr Reynolds had raped a teenage girl and fathered a child by her while working as a missionary in Africa right up until the results of a paternity test had proven the allegations false.
"I would have thought that even at a basic level the person who was injured by the programme would have been consulted," he said on Morning Ireland yesterday.
The BAI admitted yesterday that the provisions of the Broadcasting Act 2009 did not prevent an investigating officer interviewing Fr Reynolds.
A spokesperson acknowledged it was the terms of reference drawn up by its compliance committee that restricted the inquiry to the ‘Mission to Prey’ programme itself.
The BAI said it would also consider a request received on behalf of Fr Reynolds to furnish him with a copy of its report prior to general publication.
However, the BAI said no copies would be made available prior to the expiry of a 14-day limit specified under the legislation which would allow RTÉ appeal its findings and possible sanction of up to €250,000 to the High Court.
Lawyer Robert Dore said it was "extraordinary" that neither he nor his client were asked for information by the BAI about their dealings with RTÉ in the making of the programme.
Mr Dore said he believed they could have provided input into the approach adopted by RTÉ in defending its claims Fr Reynolds had raped a teenage girl and fathered a child by her while working as a missionary in Africa right up until the results of a paternity test had proven the allegations false.
"I would have thought that even at a basic level the person who was injured by the programme would have been consulted," he said on Morning Ireland yesterday.
The BAI admitted yesterday that the provisions of the Broadcasting Act 2009 did not prevent an investigating officer interviewing Fr Reynolds.
A spokesperson acknowledged it was the terms of reference drawn up by its compliance committee that restricted the inquiry to the ‘Mission to Prey’ programme itself.
The BAI said it would also consider a request received on behalf of Fr Reynolds to furnish him with a copy of its report prior to general publication.
However, the BAI said no copies would be made available prior to the expiry of a 14-day limit specified under the legislation which would allow RTÉ appeal its findings and possible sanction of up to €250,000 to the High Court.