Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

I am advised by the Parliamentary Counsel that the words Deputy Ó Snodaigh proposes to insert are superfluous and, therefore, unnecessary. The definition of "press council" is framed on the basis of the meaning assigned to it by section 44. That section, in turn, already refers to the minimum requirements of the press council, as detailed in Schedule 2. It is not considered necessary to make reference to Schedule 2 in the definitions section in the manner proposed by the Deputy.

Section 44 lists the minimum requirements for the press council. The legislation sets down the parameters of a press council. It will be a non-statutory and self-appointed organisation with seven directors who represent the public interest, five who represent the interests of owners and publishers and one who represents the interests of journalists. I think we have got the balance right. I cannot accept the amendment.

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