The head of RTÉ says the recent 'Pantigate' controversy helped to open an important debate about homophobia in Ireland.

Noel Curran is appearing before an Oireachtas Committee to answer questions about the €85,000 paid out to five people over defamation claims levelled against 'The Saturday Night Show'.

The settlement and an apology that was also issued sparked hundreds of complaints.

The Oireachtas Communications Committee had written to RTÉ, asking it to explain its approach to dealing with legal complaints.

In a letter to RTÉ staff back in February, the Managing-Director of Television Glen Killane defended the payout - saying legal advice was sought and all avenues were explored, including an offer to make a donation to a neutral charity.

He said the broadcaster explored every option available to it, including right of reply. He added that it was decided that a settlement was the most prudent course of action.

He commented that the broadcaster had not engaged in censorship - but had fallen foul of Irish defamation laws.

Mr. Curran and Head of News Kevin Bakhurst both say they want to see changes to the Defamation Act to protect honestly held opinions in the wake of the controversy.

However Noel Curran says it had some benefits and sparked a public debate about homophobia.