Annie Hoey (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank everyone for their presentations. We talk about how most of the people who avail of the Press Council of Ireland are ordinary citizens and the options that are there for them. Can the witnesses talk a little bit about the broader awareness? I do not know how many people I know would know about the Press Council of Ireland, which is possibly a problem with my friend circle. The witnesses might tease out a little more for me the importance of that awareness piece on the funding and how people can access that.

Obviously, it is a vital issue. Are the people who need to be aware of the council's work actually aware of it?

I am struck by hearubhave heard a number of people it

I was struck by hearing a number of people say that it is easier to pull a story than try to defend it. This was in the context of the long-term impact of running a story on a particular issue. I would like to tease that out. If something is newsworthy, it is newsworthy. There are lots of issues I do not think are newsworthy but that others consider to be so. Without being dramatic, this issue has an impact on democracy. Where stories have to be pulled, that has an impact on journalists and individuals by way of wearing them down. Will the witnesses comment anecdotally on the impact that has on the morale of publications and journalists? Morale might not be the right word but I hope our guests understand the point I am making.