Mr. Declan McLoughlin:

Certainly there is a role for the network to explore with broadcasters, civil society or other organisations rather than with the regulator. There is a risk when there is a perception that the regulator is pulling up a broadcaster on factual inaccuracies so it is probably best for other parties to undertake that role. That is not to take away from the fact that it is a vital role. It was very important during Covid-19, at the height of the pandemic, when disinformation was rife. An awful lot of different organisations, including TheJournal.ie, were engaging in fact checking of stories. It has become prevalent, particularly after the election of Donald Trump in America. A good deal of fact-checking organisations have emerged at different scales and they are certainly needed. They should probably be supported as well.