Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)

I have had initial discussions on this matter with my colleague, the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Bruton. While broadcast and related media are the responsibility of the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, print media and mergers are the responsibility of the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.

Deputy Ross referred to the report on this matter. It is my tentative understanding from discussions with my colleague, the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Bruton, that he will bring forward legislation in this area. It is likely - the Deputy should not hold me to this - to repose responsibility in one or other Department. As the Deputy stated in his question we are living in a period of growing cross ownership of the media. The Deputy asked whether I have concerns about cross ownership. Yes, I have. I believe undue concentration of ownership in the Irish media is unhealthy for our democracy. This area of the media is different to other areas of enterprise endeavour in the sense that it conditions the quality of our public discourse and democracy. If the convergence of technologies about which we have been speaking were to lead to undue concentration of ownership or, of cross directorships, it would be unhealthy for the democratic health of our society. We are examining the issue. It is hoped it will be possible to act on most of the recommendations of the report we are discussing.

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