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