RTÉ has confirmed that it plans to "revisit" the issues raised during a controversial interview with a convicted paedophile on last Friday's Late Late Show in this week's show.
The decision, which the broadcaster claims was taken on Monday, follows strong criticism of the perceived lack of balance in the interview conducted by host Pat Kenny with American Jake Goldenflame (69).
An RTÉ spokesman revealed that it has received over 100 complaints about the show in recent days but could not say who the contributors to this Friday's programme will be.
He added that RTÉ stands over the decision to conduct the interview and the content of the interview itself.
Among the topics to be addressed are the registration of child sexual abusers and Mr Goldenflame's claim that those who have been abused as children are advised to avoid contact with children due to the risk that they might themselves sexually abuse children. This has been strongly refuted by child sexual abuse victims' support group, One in Four. Earlier this week, it also criticised the decision to have Mr Goldenflame on the programme "without an authoritative voice" such as a psychologist or therapist, "who could challenge some of his bizarre statements".
Yesterday the chairman of the Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Noel O'Flynn TD, said he had contacted the managing director of television at RTÉ, Noel Curran, to express his concern about the interview.
"What upsets me most is the way the programme was completely unbalanced and lacking in professional expertise in the area of dealing with sexual abuse," he said. "That excerpt would have been more suitable to Prime Time with a balance to it from a victim or support group."
The RTÉ spokesman confirmed that it had paid for Mr Goldenflame's return flights, hotel accommodation and general expenses. But he said Mr Goldenflame did not receive an appearance fee. Mr Goldenflame was sentenced to 10 years' imprisonment for child sex abuse of his daughter. He also admitted on the programme to abusing countless numbers of boys.