Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

It is the same negative story all the time and if that diet is fed to people, that is what they expect.

The Minister must maintain his courage on this issue. I listened to his speech this morning; it was balanced with no question of teaching the media a lesson. It recognised this is a matter of our being elements of the same community with an interest in its future. That is the reason for this debate, it is not about politicians getting their own back. There are black sheep and they should be exposed and penalised but the manner in which the media has done this and has focused on all political life has done immense damage to the body politic of the State. Crime is excessive because respect for authority no longer exists. People in this House have criticised the gardaí, the church and politicians. If they have specific examples, that is fine, but generalisation does not make a contribution to the quality of life in this country.

I address my remarks to editors because they are in control. Many journalists leave their editor's office with instructions to bring back a sensational story. They are not asked to report the facts as they stand and in many cases they are told what headline is needed. A friend of mine, a reporter for whom I had great regard, covered an event. I remarked to him that we were lucky that he was reporting on the matter because he knew all about it. He told me that when he left Dublin that morning, his editor instructed him to send back a sensational headline and story. Does that mean that the story is written before the event? In such a culture we must enter into partnership with the media and get its representatives to understand that the legislation we are calling for is in their interest as well as ours.