The debate surrounding a Trócaire advertisement for its Lenten campaign took a fresh twist yesterday when the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI) upheld its decision to ban the advertisement but said a revised version was acceptable.
The BCI confirmed its view yesterday that the current version of Trócaire's advertisement was contrary to the 1988 Radio and Television Act, which states that no advertisement "which is directed towards a religious or political end" should be aired.
However, following consultation with Trócaire, it said an alternative version is acceptable under the legislation.
Trócaire said the new version removes reference to its Lenten campaign and simply calls on people to support Trócaire "to help end gender inequality".
The BCI said the revised script was acceptable as it "focuses on Trócaire's social, humanitarian and fundraising agenda" and did not conflict with the ban on political advertising.
The commission said it had refused the first version because one of the key objectives of Trócaire's Lenten campaign was "the procurement of changes in Government policy or decisions so as to prioritise, implement or influence governmental action".
The BCI said the campaign had a political objective because it calls on the Government to produce a national action plan and seeks public signatures for a petition in this regard.
In a statement last night, Trócaire said it felt it "had no option but to agree" to the revised script to ensure a successful Lenten campaign and called for a review of how the legislation was interpreted.