RTÉ HAS rejected criticism by Independent Senator David Norris of its decision to transmit the Fairytale of Kathmandu documentary on poet Cathal Ó Searcaigh.
Raising the issue on the order of business in the Seanad yesterday afternoon, the Trinity College Senator called for last night's scheduled screening of the film on RTÉ1 to be postponed pending an investigation of the techniques used in its production.
He also called for the film to be referred to the Joint Committee on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources "so that the truth can be established with the assistance of experts".
Leader of the House Donie Cassidy said he would pass the Senator's request to committee chairman John Cregan: "Given the forceful contributions, and particularly that of Senator Norris, I will have this done immediately after the order of business."
An RTÉ spokesman responded later: "We are strongly of the view that the broadcast of the documentary is in the public interest and that many of the issues raised by Cathal Ó Searcaigh's friends are really not relevant to the central thesis of the programme which concerns the relationship between the giver of aid and the recipients of aid."
Senator Norris told the House: "As public money has been spent on the film, we are entitled to know the truth wherever it leads."
When he saw the film, Senator Norris said his "stomach sank" and he thought of the words of the great British poet William Blake: O Rose, thou art sick!/ The invisible worm/ That flies in the night,/ In the howling storm,/ Has found out thy bed/ Of crimson joy;/ And his dark secret love/ Does thy life destroy."
The Cathaoirleach said: "The programme is a matter for the RTÉ Authority."
Senator Norris said: "The illegality is possibly a matter for this House. Communications is an appropriate matter for the committee established by both Houses of the Oireachtas to examine such matters."
He asked the Leader of the House "to ensure this matter is referred".
Labour's Senator Alex White said: "I have great sympathy with the position Senator Norris has taken in regard to this case but it is not appropriate that this House or a committee of the Oireachtas should determine what RTÉ broadcasts. That would be a step too far."
Earlier yesterday, RTÉ said it would broadcast the documentary despite failing to resolve a dispute over copyright with the poet's publisher.
Cló Iar-Chonnachta said yesterday it would consider taking legal action if poems over which it holds copyright were included in the film.
Ó Searcaigh has criticised his portrayal in the film and has described it as "not only distorted and inaccurate but also very damaging to my reputation".
An RTÉ spokesman said a "small re-edit" had been made to one scene on foot of an allegation made this week by Ó Searcaigh's representative, but that the poems would remain.