Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I too commend the Deputies on their Bill before us. Its intention is worthy and the issue affects many regional newspapers like The Anglo-Celtin County Cavan, the Westmeath Examinerand others, which will be hugely affected by what may happen in the future. There is no doubt but that the print media are certainly under pressure in the context of their importance and integrity in journalism. They are hugely important. With Twitter, the digital media, Facebook and all other such media forums and outlets, true and worthy media and storytelling are hugely important. Technology has moved forward so quickly that the print media find themselves under a new type of pressure, which must be addressed. However, Fianna Fáil will abstain on the Bill. We will work with those involved in journalism in our regional newspapers on what we can do to find a way forward so that there is security in those local jobs and that the independence and integrity of the media are forthright and of paramount importance in all of this.

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