Labour Court recommends formal rebuke for two RTÉ staff over Farm Diary broadcast

The Labour Court recommended a formal rebuke for two Radio Telefis Eireann staff members following disciplinary action over a Farm Diary broadcast. The recommendation was signed on 6 June 1990. RTÉ had replaced the staff members’ one-week suspensions with reductions in their increments for 12 months. The Services Industrial Professional Technical Union challenged the action and sought an apology and compensation. The Court said responsibility for the programme’s outcome rested with the staff, but considered a formal rebuke adequate given the required programme standards, their record and clearer guidelines.