Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

I still have some of the reservations I had when the Bill was first introduced by the previous Minister, Michael McDowell. At that time, I found myself in an invidious position because, as Government spokesman on Justice, Equality and Law Reform, I was supposed to be promoting the Bill whereas I, along with others, was trying to get as much of it changed as possible. I still have reservations about it, especially with the court lodgement and the fact that it will not have an accompanying correction. The Press Council will not be independent; it is a product of the media themselves.

Having said that, however, I do not wish to be churlish. I acknowledge that the Minister listened to every item that was raised throughout the debate. He took on board many of the suggestions and amendments from both sides of the House, and we should be grateful for that. I also acknowledge that, as a Minister, he has that advantage but he also has the added advantage of experience of such cases from the Law Library.

On the previous occasion, Senator Norris and I were the only two Members to contribute to the debate. I suppose we developed a bit of an unholy alliance on this particular legislation.