Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I believe we all find it intolerable that anyone could steer or attempt to steer a public company in favour of a select few shareholders, rather than in the interests of all, as required under company law. It is clear from what we already know that there has been a major data breach regarding the 19 so-called persons of interest. These 19 people with links to Independent News and Media, INM, had their emails accessed under the alleged data hack. The 19 included those who had previously worked for INM, as well as current employees and journalists. Also included were two lawyers who had worked on the Moriarty tribunal. They were obviously never informed of the data breach and the Data Protection Commissioner is investigating the matter, as we know.

These 19 people had their data wrongly accessed, contrary to law. A fair and free press is a cornerstone of our democracy. I support what has already been said. I believe it is now overdue to have an examination of media ownership in Ireland to protect against monopoly dominance or control, contrary to the common good. I fully support the call made already that the Leader invite whoever is necessary to have a debate on the matter in early course.