Seanad debates

Tuesday, 4 February 2003

Immigration Bill 2002: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage.

 

It is not a trivial matter and it is not for the journalist or the broadcaster to be placed under a moral duty to satisfy himself or herself that the consent given is informed under pain of fine or imprisonment. That is hardly an incentive to journalists to cover these stories. If they are placed under an obligation to establish that consent is informed, journalists and broadcasters will question the nature of their duty in that case. They will ask about the nature of the duty imposed on them, for example, if they will be able to cover stories which come out quickly, they are to say they will not do anything unless a lawyer is present, or they are to recommend third party advice before being contacted. That is probably desirable but it must be asked if it is workable.

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