RTÉ calls editing out Palestinian flag necklace 'mistake'

RTÉ has said it was "a mistake" that a Palestinian flag necklace was edited out of a recent episode of the property programme, Cheap Irish Homes.

It comes after a complaint was made following the broadcast last month.

The Irish Times reported that Claire Molloy, who was wearing the necklace, lodged a complaint with RTÉ and Coimisiún na Meán as a result of the edit that was made.

Speaking to RTÉ News, the accountant, who lives in Dublin, said it was really important for her to highlight what happened and to raise awareness to others about decisions that could be taken without being consulted.

Cheap Irish Homes is produced by Cameo Productions Ltd and airs on RTÉ One.

Ms Molloy said no one mentioned anything to her about the necklace at the time of filming and that if Cameo had asked her to remove her necklace, she would not have gone ahead with filming.

She described the accessory as something that she is rarely seen without.

"I am pro-Palestinian," she said. "It is a huge part of my oufit. I am always wearing it."

Ms Molloy said she only realised it had been removed in the post-production process as she watched the episode air on 29 September.

"I was quite annoyed to see it," she said, adding that she "took a few days to sit with it and gather my thoughts" before contacting the production company.

Ms Molloy said Cameo Productions Ltd had apologised to her for not saying it to her at the time.

In a statement, RTÉ acknowledged that "this matter could have been handled differently".

It explained that there are "judgement calls" in a production process, and said these edits were made in good faith and in an effort to adhere to obligations on impartiality, and the guidelines on the "undue prominence of symbols and emblems".

The broadcaster said it has reviewed the issue and acknowledges that "there was a mistake in the interpretation and application of guidelines in this instance.

"While RTÉ does not believe there is any regulatory contravention or breach of guidelines arising from this, we do acknowledge an excessively strict interpretation of them," it stated.

It added that it will review its processes and procedures regarding the application of its guidelines.

RTÉ states that its Editorial and Content Guidelines provide a "broad overview" of how it applies its editorial values and principles in the creation of content across all their platforms.