Richard O'Donoghue (Limerick County, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Journalists must be commended on their courage and bravery in tackling many of the issues in conflict zones around the world. I believe 28 journalists have been killed so far in 2022. I offer my condolences to their families and friends. It is sad that so many journalists are targeted with online bullying, threats and hate speech. I understand that female journalists are attacked even more viciously on a regular basis, both online and offline.

Many of our news outlets are harassed in the courts when they challenge controversial issues, particularly around business interests. Media coverage gives an uncovered issue visibility and, unlike some social media, the accountability is where the individual journalist is willing to put his or her name to the story. One of the most famous journalism partnerships was Bernstein and Woodward, when they uncovered the Watergate scandal.

The most famous investigative journalist in Ireland will always be foremost in our thoughts, namely the late Veronica Guerin, who targeted underworld crime and gave her life to protect us. I offer my condolences to her family also.

My final tribute is to Charlie Bird, who has given a lifetime to his work as a journalist, and is on yet another mission to get answers.

In Ukraine, we have seen journalists go out and put their lives on the line to give us the true story of what is happening. They have to be commended on the bravery that they have shown and be respected for what they are doing - leaving their families to give us news.

We can see on social media that within two minutes false news comes up but there is no accountability. At least with journalists, they put their names to their stories. They do not always get it right but at least their name is there. They are doing their best and they are willing to put their name on the line for it. Journalists need to be commended on that.

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