asked the Minister for Communications if the Government will consider the establishment of a media council, to which members of the public with grievances against the media could take their complaints; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Complaints Against Media.
5.
My statutory responsibilities are confined to the Irish broadcasting media. Day-to-day programming on RTE is a matter for the RTE Authority.
The Broadcasting Complaints Commission has been established to investigate complaints by members of the public in relation to certain categories of RTE programming.
Similar safeguards will be provided in legislation dealing with the establishment of additional broadcasting services.
The print media have historically been self-regulated and the Government are not aware of any significant public demand for a change in the present situation.
The Minister said that his present legislative role is confined to the broadcasting media. In view of a recent court case, will he agree that there is a need for an independent media council which would ensure that the print media operate within certain agreed criteria?
I agree that it is a point of view. I am not aware of any significant public demand for such a council. As I said, the print media have, historically, been self-regulated.