Shane Cassells (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach and I welcome all of the witnesses. For the record, I state that I am still a member of the NUJ.

I disagree with Senator Warfield in his statement that this hearing is politicised. We have been discussing the future of the media now for the past four years on this particular committee. In my mind, this is a key component of that. I disagree inherently with the Senator that this is politicised. It is something that must be in his head because it is not in mine.

Can I start with Mr. O'Connell as someone who is representing the local media? It is still the largest representative body of media in this country. With regard to local newspapers and indeed local radio, it is probably the most at risk of taking a hit from a financial point of view. In his opening statement, he actually mentioned a case with regard toThe Connacht Tribune. Can he give the committee members a broader appraisal of how many times local newspapers would face such actions in a year? Mr. O'Connell mentioned a six-figure sum in that regard but what is the real evidence across the local newspaper sector with regard to what they are facing on an annual basis as to the average settlements Mr. O'Connell's members would come to?