Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

Will the Leader organise a debate on the Government's proposal to introduce a press council? There would be much merit in having a wide-ranging debate in this House given the experience and knowledge of many Members who either write or work for newspapers. The Government has a viewpoint, which is contested by the Opposition, that the press council should be appointed by the Cabinet. Before a decision is made on the membership of the press council, a debate in the House would be useful. The considerable experience of colleagues on all sides would add to such a debate.