Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

Section 2 sets out the minimum requirements on the Press Council. Adherence to these requirements is a vital element in the future recognition of an independent Press Council and the list of requirements is self-explanatory. Section 4 of Schedule 2 provides that the owner of any periodical in circulation in the State shall be entitled to be a member of the Press Council. The provision does not force an owner of a periodical to be a member and he or she may choose for whatever reason not to be. I see no purpose in the amendment.