Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I support Senator Whelan and I would like to have a debate on the media. We all accept that one of the strongest strands in any democratic system is a free and independent media, even in times when we may be irked by some transgressions. Deep down we know that without that independent and free expression by the media, we would be in an exceptionally serious position. That said, none of us is perfect and when the media makes snide remarks at this House, one could look at the Press Gallery and wonder where the reporters are. They arrive when there is a sensationalist issue to be discussed but what about the nitty-gritty of legislation? A third of all Bills have been initiated in this House but I do not recall seeing any member of the media present when that happened.

Monopolies in any area are not good, whether that is in business in general or the media. I was initially pleased when local radio was set up, with most of these being examples of community radio. I felt this was an opportunity to avoid the conglomerates dictating to us at a local community level. Now we can see encroachment by various people into that area, with monopolies developing there as well. The same thing has happened with local newspapers. We always felt fairly sure there was an ethical content in local newspapers, which very often reflected the actions and aspirations of the local community. However, local newspapers are being taken over by conglomerates.

We must start on the basis that we, as legislators, have faults but the media also has faults. If we could start a debate in here without having a cheap shot at anybody, it would be good for democracy. If we do not act in such a fashion, we will not be helping the issue. We should consider what happened in Britain, with the abuses evident in the media there. They were outrageous, as innocent and decent people, many in a traumatic position, were targeted. I am not suggesting anything like that happens here, although the leak of information from An Garda is only one step from it. That is not good for An Garda Síochána, the democracy or the media.

It would be helpful to have such a debate in isolation rather than when an issue arises. Will the Leader consider an open debate on the media? If members of the media could be present in the Gallery when the debate happens, we would be engaging in a partnership to bring about the best for democracy in our country.