Michael Martin has called for “transparency” over why RTE didn’t broadcast an interview with former minister Shane Ross on his book about Mary Lou McDonald.
The Taoiseach said the circumstances were worrying because of the “chilling effect” they could have on “public debate and democracy”.
Separately, Sinn Fein leader McDonald is suing RTE over another issue.
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Mr Martin was responding to Fine Gael TD, Paul Kehoe, who said RTE had “questions to answer” and accused the broadcaster of “censorship”.
Mr Kehoe said: “Does the Taoiseach share my concerns regarding the decision by RTE radio to drop a heavily sanitised interview it had recorded with the former Minister and Deputy Shane Ross on his new book on Deputy McDonald?”
He added: “Shane Ross was able to give interviews to Newstalk, Today FM and other independent radio stations. I believe RTE has questions to answer.”
The Taoiseach responded: “ I do not know the background to the entire case other than to say that such a development has a chilling effect on public debate and on democracy.
“Of that there is no doubt. When the national broadcaster is sued by any organisation of considerable clout and heft, obviously the national broadcaster is taking a cautious position here and because of the fear of being sued will not broadcast the interview. That is something that demands greater transparency and explanation.”
A spokesman for RTE denied there was a legally-motivated decision.
He said: “Broadcasters have editorial independence over what they cover and broadcast, that’s a principle the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland acknowledges.
“There are many competing stories and items each day. It’s not unusual for a pre-recorded interview not to be broadcast.”
A Sinn Fein spokesman said: “It’s a matter for RTE to decide what they choose to broadcast or not.”
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