A Co Louth farmer who claimed he was libelled in an RTÉ radio programme about the murder by the IRA in 1991 of farmer Tom Oliver has settled his action against the broadcaster.
In a statement which was read to the High Court yesterday by Mr Patrick MacEntee SC, for RTÉ, it was stated: "This case has been settled and, pursuant to that, RTÉ states as follows.
"In April 1992 RTÉ radio broadcast a programme entitled 'Death of a Farmer'.
"The programme dealt with the life of Tom Oliver and the grief and outrage that followed his abduction and murder by the Provisional IRA in 1991.
"RTÉ wishes to acknowledge that Mr John McDonald, of Castlecarra, Riverstown, Dundalk, Co Louth, was never charged or prosecuted in respect of any offence in relation to the abduction or murder of the late Tom Oliver. It is further acknowledged that Mr John McDonald has never been charged with any subversive or criminal offences.
"Contrary to any impression that may have been given in the programme, it is not RTÉ's contention that Mr John McDonald was a party to the abduction and murder of Tom Oliver. Any distress suffered by him is regretted by RTÉ.
"To conclude the litigation RTÉ has agreed to make a contribution to legal costs incurred by John McDonald as a result of his proceedings."
The case had been listed to start on Tuesday last.