Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this important question. To answer it, given recent revelations we will have to consider legislation in this area to protect sources. I am not aware of any legislation being drafted currently by the Government and I have not seen any by the Opposition in the form of Private Members' Bills in the past two years, but perhaps the time has come for the Government to dust down the reports and give consideration to legislation in this area.

Having independent news and media is a cornerstone of our democracy. It is, after all, the Fourth Estate. Journalists must be free to pursue stories that they want to pursue. Their sources should be protected and free from any unjust interference, external or internal. We need a plurality of voices in the media. We need to ensure these voices are not drowned out or silenced. We also need diversity in ownership.

I commend journalists who have worked to report on this story, including journalists in Independent News & Media, who have not allowed their independence to be compromised. The reported data breaches represent a very significant threat to the freedom of our press but the way in which the media have responded to this threat to date should reassure us that our press will not be silenced.

Obviously, any alleged breach affecting personal data is a matter of concern, whether it relates to journalists or public citizens. It is important to say that although this is now a matter before the courts, we need to respect that and bear it in mind in our contributions. The Deputy has done so.

The ODCE, a Government office at the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, has now made an application to the High Court under section 748 of the Companies Act 2014 to appoint inspectors to investigate the affairs of Independent News & Media. This is now an enforcement matter for the ODCE. Section 949(3) of the Companies Act provides that the Director of Corporate Enforcement shall be independent in the performance of his statutory functions. The case commenced yesterday.

In terms of indemnity, it is absolutely the case that any public servant who acts properly and in accordance with his mandate and does not breach any laws or ethical principles is indemnified by the State.

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