RTÉ has said that there is a "commitment" from the European Broadcasting Union to have a "wider discussion" amongst the union's members on Israel’s inclusion in the Eurovision Song Contest "in due course".
As the contest draws closer, there have been growing calls both Ireland and in fellow EBU member states about Israel's participation in the event.
This afternoon RTÉ Director General Kevin Bakhurst held discussions with senior members of the EBU on the matter, in which they "raised RTÉ’s concerns."
The broadcaster issued a statement after the meeting, confirming that "there is a commitment from the EBU to have a wider discussion amongst members in due course."
Earlier this week Mr Bakhurst said he was "appalled by the ongoing events in the Middle East and by the horrific impact on civilians in Gaza, and the fate of Israeli hostages", and had requested today’s meeting.
He said yesterday that RTÉ had no plans to withdraw from the event.
This evening, a group of over 60 protesters gathered on the bridge outside RTÉ's campus at Donnybrook calling for the broadcaster to boycott this year's competition.
Award-winning actor Stephen Rea, Moving Hearts saxophonist Keith Donald and drag artist Sexy Tadhg joined the protesters.
