Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)

The press council is in a test mode at this stage. There has been a debate for the past 30 to 40 years about freedom of speech and all the trappings that go with that, as well as the natural curtailment to ensure that people are not defamed and that freedom of speech is not abused. I accept that the press council must act independently of this House, but the spotlight will be on this council for the next two or three years. If cases such as the Lawlor one or that of the tragic situation of a family in Carlow or Kilkenny arise, then we will have to revisit the entire issue. If it is not seen to be working, the obligation is on the Oireachtas to ensure it does.

Having said all of that, I have absolute confidence in the press ombudsman and that a press council will be effective, fair and transparent. If that occurs, we will have no fears. After a fair trial period of two to three years, if the council is not being seen to be effective as a restriction on the abuse of the rights of freedom of speech, then we will have to revisit the matter. Hopefully, my reservations will be seen as being unnecessary.