RTE insists its decision to exclude Eamon Ryan from its upcoming leaders’ debates was “fair, transparent and independent”.

The High Court has begun hearing a legal challenge against RTÉ's decision to exclude Eamon Ryan from its pre-election leaders' debates.

The Green Party leader was not asked to participate because his party didn’t meet the criterion which requires it to have at least three outgoing TDs.

This action was brought by Tom Kivlehan, a trustee for the Green Party, who is challenging the rules applied by RTÉ when compiling their invite list for two upcoming leaders' debates.

Aside from Mr Ryan's exclusion being "unfair", he also claims it is in breach of RTÉ's legal obligations and has accused the broadcaster of interfering with the democratic process - a process that is protected under the Irish Constitution.

The court has heard about a complaint sent by Mr Ryan to the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI).

In it, he claims the exclusion suggests to the public that the Green Party is not a "significant player" - a message that will be detrimental to their election campaign, he says.

The BAI said it could not intervene until after the debate is broadcast, which is why Mr Kivlehan initiated this judicial review.

The first of the two debates is due to be televised next Monday - so Ms Marie Baker will not delay in delivering judgement after both sides have had their say.