Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 17 Dec 1996

Vol. 473 No. 1

Written Answers. - Newspaper Commission Report.

Mary Harney

Question:

297 Miss Harney asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the names and dates of meetings he or his officials have had with representatives of the newspaper industry following the publication of the Report of the Newspaper Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24498/96]

Mary Harney

Question:

298 Miss Harney asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment, further to his reply to Parliamentary Question 44 of 3 December 1996, which stated that there are very complex legal and economic issues involved in advancing legislation as recommended by the Newspaper Commission Report on below-cost selling, if he intends to consult with the relevant newspaper interest groups, both here and in the United Kingdom in advance of legislation in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24499/96]

Minister for Enterprise and Employment (Mr. R. Bruton)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 297 and 298 together.

I published the report of the Commission on the Newspaper Industry on 30 July 1996 and there was a wide representation from the newspaper industry present at the launch of the report. Since then I received a written response from News International Newspapers Ltd. outlining their views on the commission's report and, at their request, I also met with representatives of News International on 30 October 1996 and 19 November 1996 in this regard. I also met with the National Newspapers of Ireland on the eve of the publication of the report.

It is my intention to have the views of all relevant interests, including the EU Commission, in advance of publishing any legislation in this area.