asked the Taoiseach the plans, if any for the setting up of a Press Council.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Press Council.
1.
I am not aware of any plans for the setting up of a Press Council.
I thought I saw in The Cork Examiner two or three months ago that the Taoiseach asked the Comhairle Ceanntar of the Fianna Fáil Party in Cork to look into this matter.
Yes, but these are not plans. I asked Comhchomhairle Corcaigh, which is an associate organisation of Fianna Fáil in Cork City, to undertake studies of matters of public importance and concern from time to time. In fact they conducted such a study in 1972 and invited many press people, journalists and others. I asked them to take the matter up again. From time to time there have been suggestions about the setting up of a Press Council supported by journalists. In the long run I should imagine it would be a matter for the newspaper industry. It is something which I do not think could be imposed on them.
Does the Taoiseach intend to discuss the matter with the NUJ?
Not in the immediate future. This Comhchomhairle study will take several weeks perhaps, and ultimately might conclude with a seminar. Unfortunately it has nothing to do with the House. It is a private matter in effect. It will give me an opportunity of getting an insight into the question in more depth. If I saw anything coming from that examination, and the possible seminar, I might be motivated to talk to the NUJ about it.