* The BAI's compliance committee will appoint an investigating officer, who will then formally notify RTE of the inquiry.
* RTE must hand over all documentation it holds in relation to the case.
* RTE will also be given the opportunity to respond to the inquiry, within a time limit of up to three weeks.
* The investigating officer can require RTE officials to attend in person or the investigation can be carried out via correspondence.
* If the officer believes there has been a breach of the statutory regulations or if the broadcaster has not co-operated fully, he or she will report this to the compliance committee.
* Penalties for either breaching the regulations or failing to co-operate can include a fine of €250,000.