Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

Most people would be satisfied by an apology. There may also be a need to combine an element of compensation with it, which is missing at present. The establishment of an independent body that could adjudicate in a reasonable manner without all the attendant exorbitant legal costs, as does, for example, the Personal Injuries Assessment Board, would be something of substance. It would allow an ordinary citizen to make a complaint and have redress in a satisfactory way without putting his or her livelihood and that of his or her family at risk.

This should be done and perhaps Members will have a debate on this issue on reaching the provisions pertaining to a press council. In this case, the removal of section 22(4) would be of some concern to me because it affords individuals an opportunity for an apology. In many instances, those who are so offended do not have the resources to take on the might of what are now major corporations. There is a benefit to the citizen that I am loath to strike out. However, I do not have difficulty with the Senator's amendment regarding the word, "automatically". It does not affect section 22(4) which is the most beneficial provision from the perspective of a defamed person.