Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party) | Oireachtas source

One of the studies Dr. Mercille relies on, as well as his own study, was published in the Irish Communications Review, Vol. 12, 2010. It was conducted by three academics from Dublin City University and was entitled, "FROM BOOM TO BUST: A post-Celtic Tiger analysis of the norms, values and roles of Irish financial journalists". What was the importance of that study? What were the findings of the academics based on what the financial journalists told them?

Dr. Mercille will be familiar with another study by Mr. Bourke in 2008 entitled, "Ethical Trends and Issues in Irish Journalism 1973 to 2008". In that study, a former group business editor of a major newspaper in the 1980s is quoted regarding the issues touched on by Dr. Mercille in his presentation and discourse with the committee. He said:

Behind every organ of media, there is an owner, manager or agent who seeks to protect an interest. When those interests become wide ranging and extensive, the scope for comment on these and parallel interests of proprietors becomes increasingly restricted.

Does that sum up what Dr. Mercille has said? Would that be an accurate reflection?