Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire. I welcome the Minister. I found his contribution though provoking. He made a great effort to bring balance into it. That is the experience we all have when talking about the media. On the one hand we see the great good which they do, because most organisations in this country, whether they are political or otherwise, need the oxygen of the media to get their message across and to look for support. On the other hand there are times when we are disappointed, in particular if we see individuals being in some way defamed without any substance underlying it.

I recall many years ago when the late President Childers asked for more good news in the media he was told that good news does not sell newspapers. There is an element of truth in that but, in fairness, we do not agree with that either because if we look at the way the media covered the visits of the many dignitaries to this country, they did it exceptionally well. That was the case recently with the visits of the Vice President of China, the Queen and President Obama. We all felt particularly proud with the way the media dealt with those visits. There is no doubt either that it has a certain currency for Ireland because those from whence the visitor comes take note of what is being said in the media. That is the good side of the news and it does help to sell newspapers as well.

There are some issues which need to be examined, namely, competition and monopolies. I was always disappointed when I found local newspapers falling into the hands of one single consortium, whether it is the Scottish media group or another group. People say it does not change the editorial content but I still feel that it is particularly important that we must avoid monopolies. In the area of competition, because the media has so many diverse elements, we must bear in mind that it also tempts people to become somewhat sensationalist in order to make sure that they have a good balance sheet. The Minister has referred to that in regard to the commercial side of the media and also to the democratic responsibility. Any of us who have spoken in this House over the years on the lack of human rights in other countries were always aware that there was not press or media freedom in those countries and we realised how important it was. When one has it, one must guard it jealously. We need a continuing partnership and dialogue between the media, people in public life and businesses generally.

I often felt perhaps a greater effort could have been made when the recession came upon us for the media to try to lift the morale of the people. I do not say they have not done it on occasion. They have, and they have done it exceptionally well. It is very interesting when one sees something of that nature in the media how it becomes a discussion point among people. Very often it is an antidote to all the pessimism and negative approach. Therefore, the power of the media is unique. Some would say for instance that it is akin to wanting to be king-maker. One issue in particular strikes me, namely, what happened in the famous presidential debate and the news that came on board that particular night and the difference it made in the presidential election. That should remind us, in particular with the broadcast media, because it is instant and urgent, how quickly a change can take place. There are many other things I would like to say. There is a positive and a negative. We should have an ongoing debate on the subject as that is good for the media and good for society.