Director General for RTÉ, Noel Curran says that a positive outcome of ‘Pantigate’ was that it sparked debate about homophobia in Ireland.

Curran said, “We fully understand that for many people, particularly those who have suffered within this society because of their sexual orientation, homophobia and discrimination is very real. “One of the positive outcomes of the recent controversy was a substantial increase in the level of debate around homophobia, equality and same-sex marriage, much of it conducted on RTE programmes. That will continue.” Earlier this year, RTÉ faced national backlash when it paid €85,000 in compensation to John Waters, Breda O’Brien and members of the Iona Institute over comments made by Rory O’Neill on The Saturday Night Show.

Read Brian Finnegan’s exclusive interview with RTÉ Director General, Noel Curran in the latest issue of GCN here.