Shane Ross (Independent)

Will the Leader ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, if he is the appropriate Minister, to attend the House to assert the right of journalists to protect their sources? Most Senators are aware of the ongoing case in Northern Ireland concerning the journalist Suzanne Breen of the Sunday Tribune. She is apparently being forced to hand over her computer records and other records, which will obviously prejudice her right to seek more information and may put her life in danger. Given that she works for a newspaper based in the Republic, it would be important that all Members of the Oireachtas stand behind journalists doing work of this sort instead of behind those who would curtail such journalism. We have all been asked to sign a petition. As only some Senators have signed, I ask the others to do so.

We should bear in mind that Suzanne Breen is under immense pressure to give away her sources, which would kill journalism of that sort in this country. We should also bear in mind that some of this generation's great stories have been revealed by journalists. If a story like the one on the Christian Brothers that is currently disturbing us was curtailed by the State by using weapons of this sort, we would be appalled. It is important we defend the right. In understand the difficulties that Governments and authorities have with journalists speaking to subversive elements. However, it is essential journalists do so if those stories are to come out into the open. Will the Leader ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to reassure the House that the types of activity occurring in Northern Ireland in stopping Suzanne Breen will not spread to this part of the island?