Malcolm Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank all the witnesses for coming today. At the outset, I want to say that it is critical for democracy that we have a balanced and fair media, and for the most part in Ireland, we have been fortunate that this is the case. It is right, that as journalists and media organisations, the witnesses hold us and others to account. We are not always going to agree. I have never taken a legal action, and I would agree with Danny in that I have generally found that if something is incorrect and one rings up the newspaper, radio station or whatever, there is an effort made. People make mistakes and it generally tends to be solved. It is important that there is a right to fair comment but an individual also has a right to their reputation. I think it is critical, and I might suggest that out of this committee, and speaking to Danny's point, the case that we have to have is about the defamation legislation. It has to strike the right balance of proof and I would like to suggest that this committee would express that view, and if the legislation is going to the justice committee, we do it. We should also express that view to the Minister, Deputy Martin, as something that is critical and that we believe must be implemented during the lifetime of this Oireachtas.