Mary White (Fianna Fail)

I realise that but I am clarifying the reason I asked the questions yesterday. I suggest that fees be waived for unemployed persons, pensioners, students doing research and those who have been abused. The NUJ in its submission to the Joint Committee on Finance and the Public Service objected to the charging of fees. I do not object to people who work in the media being obliged to pay fees because newspapers or other media companies can pay them. I have also considered the position of freelance journalists who can include fees paid in their record of expenses.

The provision of a waiver for the four groups mentioned is a serious issue. The NUJ made a strong case that it should not have to pay fees but I do not agree with its argument.