asked the Minister for industry and Commerce if he will take steps to introduce legislation to require the daily newspapers and periodical press to publish bona fide advertisements submitted by trade unions.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Trade Union Advertisements.
5.
The answer is "no".
Is the Minister aware that a reputable trade union submitted an advertisement to the three Dublin daily newspapers in which it was suggested that if a certain grade of workers joined the trade union, it would be possible for that trade union to have applied to these workers the terms of the national wage agreement made earlier in the year. Would he not regard the refusal to accept the advertisement as tantamount to being a restrictive trade practice and would he not, therefore, reconsider the reply he has just given and ensure, if necessary by legislation, that bona fide advertisements will be accepted?
I have no knowledge of the facts just mentioned by the Deputy but newspapers have had for a very long time the right at common law to accept or refuse advertisements submitted to them. That right has been recognised for a variety of reasons, including the difficulties that may be occasioned by the possibility of defamation actions, etc. I have no function in regard to the acceptance or rejection by newspapers of advertisements as they see fit themselves and I see no reason why I should assume such functions.
If details of the case in question are supplied to the Minister, will he undertake to investigate the matter?
I certainly can do that.
Will the Minister remind the newspapers that this is 1964, not 1913?
They accept advertisements to the effect that a certain brand of soap powder will wash whiter than white. Surely that is exaggeration?
The members of the Labour Party have many opportunities of propounding the advantages of membership of a trade union.
Not through the medium of newspaper advertisements.