John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

I agree with the proposition that the House should discuss defamation and the right of the individual to privacy in an era in which the media is all-intrusive. I have previously spoken about this matter. It seems to me that those who work in the media like nothing more than to write about other people who work in the media.

I was recently struck by the degree to which high-powered telephoto lenses can be used in cameras to intrude in private grief. There was an evocative picture on the front page of a newspaper when Robert Holohan was buried in Midleton. The picture, which was taken at the graveyard, spoke more than a thousand words, to use the cliche. When one turns to other pages, however, it is entirely wrong that one should find close-up photographs of people at their most vulnerable. It is wrong that photographs of them when they are devastated should be published on the front pages of newspapers. Private grief is a matter for families and should not be part of the public domain. It is just one manifestation of the malaise which has been discussed here this morning.

The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform indicated yesterday that he will introduce proposals on defamation, which I am sure will come to the House in due course. The House has discussed and made proposals on the report of the Law Reform Commission on defamation. I share the view expressed by Senator O'Toole about the difference between the right to information and the right to privacy. They are two separate issues which should be treated as such. I agree with Senator Ryan that it would be preferable for the industry to regulate itself. There is no coherent commitment to respecting the rights of our citizens, however, particularly private citizens. I accept fully that in the public domain, where there is a right to public interest, there should be intrusion, just as there is sometimes intrusion into the lives of politicians. I accept that proposition. If they are not prepared to abide by reasonable norms, they will have to be regulated whether they like it or not.