Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for all their presentations. Mr. Mulrennan said that his industry is seriously challenged. I would like him to comment on my argument. I think his industry is seriously challenged precisely by the likes of INM who gobble up all of the outlets in digital, broadcast and print media. Of course he is going to be challenged by a giant of this nature. At the beginning, somebody made the point that this forum is not about the business model which is at stake here, but rather about examining the plurality of the media and the role of this committee in protecting the interests of the media within our democracy. Nevertheless, I do think that Mr. Mulrennan has failed to prove to us that his business model is a basket case, as Séamus Dooley said. Mr. Mulrennan may feel he is under threat in future, but if it was a basket case why would INM be interested in purchasing it and taking it over?

Mr. Mulrennan also mentioned that there is considerable noise about this takeover. I am glad there is because one of the academics pointed out to us that between 1995 and 2008 there have been 90 mergers in the media with no scrutiny. It is therefore about time that the people who are elected to protect democracy scrutinised these mergers and looked at what is going on. Perhaps it is because we have new legislation that we are discussing it today, but we certainly had to fight tooth and nail for open scrutiny on this issue.

Earlier, Professor Colum Kenny expressed concern at the presence of Deputy Lowry. Believe me, I am also very concerned about that. I do think there is a conflict of interest. In private session we had quite a debate and an argument about whether he should be asked to absent himself from this process. Nevertheless-----