Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:79 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on the proposal that a statutory press council be established with its membership nominated by the Government. [29856/03]
Written Answers. - Newspaper Industry.
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:85 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on the recommendation of the Commission on the Newspaper Industry regarding the establishment of an independent ombudsman to investigate complaints of breaches of press standards; and her further views on the fact that it is for the newspaper industry to regulate itself in this regard. [29855/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 79 and 85 together.
The report of the Commission on the Newspaper Industry, which reported in June 1996, recommended, inter alia, that an independent ombudsman to investigate complaints of breaches of press standards be established. The newspaper industry has always linked its acceptance of this recommendation with changes in the law on defamation, which is the responsibility of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform requested in September 2002 a legal advisory group to advise him on the issues involved in the reform of the law on defamation and related matters. This group recommended, inter alia, that a statutory press council be established whose functions would include the preparation of a press code of conduct and the investigation of complaints regarding alleged breaches of the code.
My colleague the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform is currently involved in a consultation process on the report of the legal advisory group. On 1 December 2003 a major conference on the report was hosted by the Minister. When this consultation process is complete the Minister will bring proposals to Government on this matter.