Complaint decisions
You have a right to complain if you believe you have seen or heard something broadcast or made available on a video-on-demand service that does not meet statutory standards that are set out in Part 3B of the Broadcasting and Other Media Regulation Acts 2009 and 2022, and/or in a media service code and rule.
Coimisiún na Meán’s role in relation to complaints is to consider a complaint and decide whether to:
- refer it to be handled by the relevant broadcaster or video-on-demand provider;
- dismiss it (in certain circumstances); or
- consider it for investigation.
Where a complaint is to be considered for investigation, this is not a decision that there has been a breach of statutory and/or regulatory standards in the complaint or that an investigation is warranted.
The criteria for this decision is set out on how we deal with complaints to us.
For any questions not answered, you can contact us at: 01 963 7755 or [email protected].
We are required to publish notice of our complaint decisions on our website. Complaint decisions to date are listed below.
Database of complaint decisions
The database was last updated with decisions dated 06.05.2025
CAS-01502
- Programme:
- News
- Broadcast / VOD service:
- RTÉ Lyric FM
- Date broadcast or accessed:
- 04.10.2023
- Statute and/or regulatory code:
- Section 46L(1)(a) of the Broadcasting Act 2009, as amended.
- Short description:
- The complaint alleged the broadcast was unfair and lacked impartiality.
- Outcome:
- Dismissed
- Decision:
- Dismiss (pursuant to section 48(4)(a) of the Broadcasting Act 2009, as amended)
- Decision Date:
- 25.09.2024
CAS-01504
- Programme:
- Nationwide
- Broadcast / VOD service:
- RTÉ One
- Date broadcast or accessed:
- 18.08.2023
- Statute and/or regulatory code:
- Code of Fairness, Objectivity and Impartiality in News and Current Affairs: Rule 4.1. Section 46L(1)(b) of the Broadcasting Act 2009, as amended.
- Short description:
- The complaint alleged that the broadcast was biased, not fair to all interests, and contained inaccuracies.
- Outcome:
- Dismissed
- Decision:
- Dismiss (pursuant to section 48(4)(a) of the Broadcasting Act 2009, as amended)
- Decision Date:
- 25.09.2024
CAS-01507
- Programme:
- Today with Claire Byrne
- Broadcast / VOD service:
- RTÉ Radio 1
- Date broadcast or accessed:
- 13.10.2023
- Statute and/or regulatory code:
- Section 46L(1)(b) of the Broadcasting Act 2009, as amended.
- Short description:
- The complaint alleged that a question put to the interviewee was unfair and inappropriate.
- Outcome:
- Dismissed
- Decision:
- Dismiss (pursuant to section 48(4)(a) of the Broadcasting Act 2009, as amended)
- Decision Date:
- 25.09.2024
CAS-01508
- Programme:
- Today with Claire Byrne
- Broadcast / VOD service:
- RTÉ Radio 1
- Date broadcast or accessed:
- 13.10.2023
- Statute and/or regulatory code:
- Section 46L(1)(b) of the Broadcasting Act 2009, as amended.
- Short description:
- The complaint alleged that the interviewee was not treated fairly, and the issue was not presented in an objective and impartial manner.
- Outcome:
- Dismissed
- Decision:
- Dismiss (pursuant to section 48(4)(a) of the Broadcasting Act 2009, as amended)
- Decision Date:
- 25.09.2024
CAS-01707
- Programme:
- News Bulletin
- Broadcast / VOD service:
- FM104
- Date broadcast or accessed:
- 28.09.2023
- Statute and/or regulatory code:
- Section 46L(1)(a) of the Broadcasting Act 2009, as amended.
- Short description:
- The complaint alleges the report was not balanced or impartial, and that the interviews were only conducted with people who held the same view on the subject.
- Outcome:
- Dismissed
- Decision:
- Dismiss (pursuant to section 48(4)(a) of the Broadcasting Act 2009, as amended)
- Decision Date:
- 25.09.2024
CAS-01188
- Programme:
- Liveline
- Broadcast / VOD service:
- RTÉ Radio 1
- Date broadcast or accessed:
- 15.08.2023
- Statute and/or regulatory code:
- Code of Fairness, Objectivity and Impartiality: Rules 3, 19, 22 & 23. Section 46J(1)(a) & 46L(1)(b) of the Broadcasting Act 2009, as amended.
- Short description:
- The complaint alleges that the presenter was not impartial and did not deal fairly with the interviewee during the discussion on an upcoming concert and song lyrics.
- Outcome:
- Referred
- Decision:
- Refer the complaint to an authorised person to be considered for investigation, pursuant to section 48(5) of the Broadcasting Act 2009, as amended.
- Decision Date:
- 04.09.2024
CAS-01430
- Programme:
- Liveline
- Broadcast / VOD service:
- RTÉ Radio 1
- Date broadcast or accessed:
- 15.08.2023
- Statute and/or regulatory code:
- Code of Fairness, Objectivity and Impartiality: Rules 1, 2 & 3.
- Short description:
- The complaint alleges that the presenter was not impartial and did not deal fairly with the interviewee during the discussion on an upcoming concert.
- Outcome:
- Referred
- Decision:
- Refer the complaint to an authorised person to be considered for investigation, pursuant to section 48(5) of the Broadcasting Act 2009, as amended.
- Decision Date:
- 04.09.2024
CAS-01444
- Programme:
- Prime Time
- Broadcast / VOD service:
- RTÉ One
- Date broadcast or accessed:
- 30.05.2023
- Statute and/or regulatory code:
- Section 46L(1)(b) of the Broadcasting Act, as amended.
- Short description:
- The complaint alleges that the presenter was not impartial when discussing a national women’s organisation’s corporate governance controversies.
- Outcome:
- Dismissed
- Decision:
- Dismiss (pursuant to section 48(4)(a) of the Broadcasting Act 2009, as amended)
- Decision Date:
- 04.09.2024
CAS-01447
- Programme:
- Prime Time
- Broadcast / VOD service:
- RTÉ One
- Date broadcast or accessed:
- 30.05.2023
- Statute and/or regulatory code:
- Section 46L(1)(b) of the Broadcasting Act, as amended.
- Short description:
- The complaint alleges that the presenter was not impartial when discussing a national women’s organisation’s corporate governance controversies.
- Outcome:
- Dismissed
- Decision:
- Dismiss (pursuant to section 48(4)(a) of the Broadcasting Act 2009, as amended)
- Decision Date:
- 04.09.2024
CAS-01449
- Programme:
- The Sunday Game
- Broadcast / VOD service:
- RTÉ 2
- Date broadcast or accessed:
- 02.07.2023
- Statute and/or regulatory code:
- Section 46J(1)(a) of the Broadcasting Act, as amended.
- Short description:
- The complaint alleges that a comment made by one of the panelists was offensive to sufferers of Long Covid.
- Outcome:
- Dismissed
- Decision:
- Dismiss (pursuant to section 48(4)(a) of the Broadcasting Act 2009, as amended)
- Decision Date:
- 04.09.2024
CAS-01483
- Programme:
- The Sunday Game
- Broadcast / VOD service:
- RTÉ 2
- Date broadcast or accessed:
- 02.07.2023
- Statute and/or regulatory code:
- Section 46J(1)(a) & (d) of the Broadcasting Act, as amended.
- Short description:
- The complaint alleges that a comment made by one of the panelists was offensive to sufferers of Long Covid.
- Outcome:
- Dismissed
- Decision:
- Dismiss (pursuant to section 48(4)(a) of the Broadcasting Act 2009, as amended)
- Decision Date:
- 04.09.2024
CAS-01486
- Programme:
- The Sunday Game
- Broadcast / VOD service:
- RTÉ 2
- Date broadcast or accessed:
- 02.07.2023
- Statute and/or regulatory code:
- Section 46J(1)(a) of the Broadcasting Act, as amended.
- Short description:
- The complaint alleges that a comment made by one of the panelists was offensive to sufferers of Long Covid.
- Outcome:
- Dismissed
- Decision:
- Dismiss (pursuant to section 48(4)(a) of the Broadcasting Act 2009, as amended)
- Decision Date:
- 04.09.2024
CAS-01494
- Programme:
- The Sunday Game
- Broadcast / VOD service:
- RTÉ 2
- Date broadcast or accessed:
- 02.07.2023
- Statute and/or regulatory code:
- Section 46J(1)(a) of the Broadcasting Act, as amended.
- Short description:
- The complaint alleges that a comment made by one of the panelists was offensive to sufferers of Long Covid.
- Outcome:
- Dismissed
- Decision:
- Dismiss (pursuant to section 48(4)(a) of the Broadcasting Act 2009, as amended)
- Decision Date:
- 04.09.2024
CAS-01495
- Programme:
- Morning Ireland
- Broadcast / VOD service:
- RTÉ Radio 1
- Date broadcast or accessed:
- 24.08.2024
- Statute and/or regulatory code:
- Code of Fairness, Objectivity and Impartiality: Rule 1.
- Short description:
- The complaint alleges that the interview with the Minister of Health in relation to the expansion of the HPV vaccine was not conducted in an objective and impartial manner.
- Outcome:
- Dismissed
- Decision:
- Dismiss (pursuant to section 48(4)(a) of the Broadcasting Act 2009, as amended)
- Decision Date:
- 04.09.2024
CAS-01498
- Programme:
- Liveline
- Broadcast / VOD service:
- RTÉ Radio 1
- Date broadcast or accessed:
- 15.08.2024
- Statute and/or regulatory code:
- Section 46L(1)(b) of the Broadcasting Act, as amended.
- Short description:
- The complaint alleges that the presenter was not impartial and did not deal fairly with the interviewee during the discussion on an upcoming concert.
- Outcome:
- Referred
- Decision:
- Refer the complaint to an authorised person to be considered for investigation, pursuant to section 48(5) of the Broadcasting Act 2009, as amended.
- Decision Date:
- 04.09.2024
CAS-01500
- Programme:
- The Sunday Game
- Broadcast / VOD service:
- RTÉ 2
- Date broadcast or accessed:
- 02.07.2023
- Statute and/or regulatory code:
- Section 46J(1)(a) of the Broadcasting Act, as amended.
- Short description:
- The complaint alleges that a comment made by one of the panelists was offensive to sufferers of Long Covid.
- Outcome:
- Dismissed
- Decision:
- Dismiss (pursuant to section 48(4)(a) of the Broadcasting Act 2009, as amended)
- Decision Date:
- 04.09.2024
CAS-01511
- Programme:
- Morning Ireland
- Broadcast / VOD service:
- RTÉ Radio 1
- Date broadcast or accessed:
- 17.11.2023
- Statute and/or regulatory code:
- Section 46J(1)(a) & (d) and Section 46L(1)(b) of the Broadcasting Act, as amended.
- Short description:
- The complaint alleges that the broadcaster did not present objectively and impartially, and incited hatred towards men, when reporting on the conflict in Gaza.
- Outcome:
- Dismissed
- Decision:
- Dismiss (pursuant to section 48(4)(a) of the Broadcasting Act 2009, as amended)
- Decision Date:
- 04.09.2024
CAS-01417
- Programme:
- Drivetime
- Broadcast / VOD service:
- RTÉ Radio 1
- Date broadcast or accessed:
- 15.03.2023
- Statute and/or regulatory code:
- Code of Fairness, Objectivity & Impartiality: Rule 1.
- Short description:
- The complaint concerns the use of the term ‘eviction ban’ and alleged that the broadcast lacked impartiality when discussing the legal implications of ending tenancies
- Outcome:
- Dismissed
- Decision:
- Dismiss (pursuant to section 48(4)(a) of the Broadcasting Act 2009, as amended)
- Decision Date:
- 21.08.2024
CAS-01439
- Programme:
- The Dry
- Broadcast / VOD service:
- RTÉ Player
- Date broadcast or accessed:
- 31.03.2023
- Statute and/or regulatory code:
- Section 46J(1)(a), 46J(1)(d) & 46J(1)(e) of the Broadcasting Act 2009, as amended.
- Short description:
- The complaint alleged that the use of language within the drama programme was coarse and caused harm and undue offence on the basis of religion.
- Outcome:
- Dismissed
- Decision:
- Dismiss (pursuant to section 48(4)(a) of the Broadcasting Act 2009, as amended)
- Decision Date:
- 21.08.2024
CAS-01355
- Programme:
- Morning Ireland
- Broadcast / VOD service:
- RTÉ Radio 1
- Date broadcast or accessed:
- 24.03.2023
- Statute and/or regulatory code:
- Code of Programme Standards: Principle 1 – Respect for Community Standards. Section 46J(1)(a) of the Broadcasting Act 2009, as amended.
- Short description:
- The complaint alleged that the use of the term “British Isles” was offensive to the complainant and Irish people.
- Outcome:
- Dismissed
- Decision:
- Dismiss (pursuant to section 48(4)(a) of the Broadcasting Act 2009, as amended)
- Decision Date:
- 21.08.2024
CAS-01440 / CAS-01429
- Programme:
- Six One News
- Broadcast / VOD service:
- RTÉ One
- Date broadcast or accessed:
- 19.04.2023
- Statute and/or regulatory code:
- Code of Programme Standards: Principle 5 - Respect for Persons and Groups in Society. Sections 46J(1)(a), 46J(1)(d) & 46L(1)(a) of the Broadcasting Act 2009, as amended.
- Short description:
- The complaints alleged that the news reports on the sentencing of a convicted murderer inaccurately implied that the person committed the murder due to having bipolar disorder, which caused harm and offence and promoted or incited violence or hatred toward people who have bipolar disorder
- Outcome:
- Dismissed
- Decision:
- Dismiss (pursuant to section 48(4)(a) of the Broadcasting Act 2009, as amended)
- Decision Date:
- 21.08.2024
CAS-01441
- Programme:
- Drive It with the 2 Johnnies
- Broadcast / VOD service:
- RTÉ 2FM
- Date broadcast or accessed:
- 19.04.2023
- Statute and/or regulatory code:
- Code of Programme Standards: Principal 6 -Protection of the Public Interest. Sections 46J(1)(a) & 46J(1)(b) of the Broadcasting Act 2009, as amended
- Short description:
- The complaint alleged that the discussion about avoiding paying for goods in shops, altering documents to secure discounts from retailers and pilfering caused harm and undue offence to retailers, and promoted or incited the public to commit a crime.
- Outcome:
- Referred
- Decision:
- Refer the complaint to an authorised person to be considered for investigation, pursuant to section 48(5) of the Broadcasting Act 2009, as amended
- Decision Date:
- 21.08.2024
CAS-01543
- Programme:
- Today with Claire Byrne
- Broadcast / VOD service:
- RTÉ Radio 1
- Date broadcast or accessed:
- 15.03.2023
- Statute and/or regulatory code:
- Code of Fairness, Objectivity & Impartiality: Rule 1
- Short description:
- The complaint concerns the use of the term ‘eviction ban’ and alleged that the broadcast lacked impartiality when discussing a proposal to give a tax break to landlords
- Outcome:
- Dismissed
- Decision:
- Dismiss (pursuant to section 48(4)(a) of the Broadcasting Act 2009, as amended)
- Decision Date:
- 21.08.2024
CAS-01413
- Programme:
- Advertisement for Travel Department
- Broadcast / VOD service:
- RTÉ Radio 1
- Date broadcast or accessed:
- 23.03.2023
- Statute and/or regulatory code:
- General Commercial Communications Code: Principle 2 – Human Dignity, Offence and Harm
- Short description:
- The complaint alleged the advertisement encouraged behaviour prejudicial to the protection of the environment.
- Outcome:
- Dismissed
- Decision:
- Dismiss - pursuant to section 48(4)(a) of the Broadcasting Act 2009, as amended
- Decision Date:
- 10.07.2024
CAS-01415
- Programme:
- Advertisement for Eir Gigabit Fibre Broadband
- Broadcast / VOD service:
- Newstalk 106-108FM
- Date broadcast or accessed:
- 16.03.2023
- Statute and/or regulatory code:
- General Commercial Communications Code: Principle 1 – Human Dignity, Offence and Harm, Rules 4.1 and 5.4
- Short description:
- The complaint alleged the advertisement contained misleading claims about cable broadband and unsubstantiated claims comparing fibre and cable broadband..
- Outcome:
- Referred
- Decision:
- Refer the complaint to the broadcaster for consideration under its Code of Practice for Complaint Handling, pursuant to section 48(3) of the Broadcasting Act 2009, as amended.
- Decision Date:
- 10.07.2024
CAS-01416
- Programme:
- Scoreline
- Broadcast / VOD service:
- KCLR FM
- Date broadcast or accessed:
- 26.03.2023
- Statute and/or regulatory code:
- Code of Programme Standards: Principle 5 – Respect for Persons and Groups in Society. Sections 46J(1)(a)(d) of the Broadcasting Act 2009, as amended.
- Short description:
- The complaint alleged the use of certain language within the broadcast caused harm and undue offence on the basis of religion.
- Outcome:
- Dismissed
- Decision:
- Dismiss - Pursuant to section 48(4)(a) of the Broadcasting Act 2009, as amended
- Decision Date:
- 10.07.2024
CAS-01437
- Programme:
- Liveline
- Broadcast / VOD service:
- RTÉ Radio 1
- Date broadcast or accessed:
- 13.03.2013
- Statute and/or regulatory code:
- Code of Programme Standards: Principle 6 – Protection of the Public Interest Section. 46J(1)(b) of the Broadcasting Act 2009, as amended.
- Short description:
- The complaint alleged the treatment of a discussion about cat culling, promoted or incited the public to commit a crime.
- Outcome:
- Dismissed
- Decision:
- Dismiss - Pursuant to section 48(4)(a) of the Broadcasting Act 2009, as amended)
- Decision Date:
- 10.07.2024
CAS-01438
- Programme:
- The Ray Foley Show
- Broadcast / VOD service:
- Today FM
- Date broadcast or accessed:
- 21.04.2023
- Statute and/or regulatory code:
- Code of Programme Standards: Principle 5 – Respect for Persons and Groups in Society. Sections 46J(1)(a)(d) of the Broadcasting Act 2009, as amended.
- Short description:
- The complaint alleged the presenter of the programme made a xenophobic comment about a person’s nationality.
- Outcome:
- Referred
- Decision:
- Refer the complaint to an authorised person to be considered for investigation (pursuant to section 48(5) of the Broadcasting Act 2009, as amended)
- Decision Date:
- 10.07.2024