Alison Comyn (Fianna Fail)

I thank all the witnesses very much for coming in. As a journalist of three decades, before I took on a new career as a Senator, I understand the challenges that we have had and the challenges that we face. I have had connections with the NUJ and Séamus Dooley and Trevor Keegan over the years. However, I presume there will not be a conflict of interest. As a former mother of the chapel as well, I have acted on behalf of many of my fellow journalists over the years. There is no question but things have changed. We have the advance of citizen journalism and different platforms. We have the incredible challenges that have been faced by the likes of print journalism as well.

At various times, all the witnesses mentioned quality employment. There have been tremendous advantages with the likes of the local democracy positions, but Mr. Dooley alluded to the fact that they may be coming outside of the unions. I ask each of the witnesses to give me their thoughts on the following question. Is quality employment and the nurturing and development of talent only available within union membership or can it happen outside of it?