Michael McDowell (Independent)

-----on three occasions. In future, is that to be material in determining whether the story as published should have a defence under the revised section 26? If it is to cease to be material, that is fine, but let us tell the people that. We should let the people of Ireland know that, in the future, adverse inferences can be drawn if you say nothing. Let us tell the people that is the change we are proposing. I am putting my trust in the Minister that he is willing to take another look at section 26 because it is not just me but also other Members of this House who are worried about this. The Irish political system is only one potential casualty. As the Minister has said, this applies to all publications in all forms, including social media. On the face of it, it seems to apply to anybody whose behavioural standards or the like comprise a matter of public interest. You do not even have to show that the publication was for the public benefit. That is going to be got rid of. I will leave it at that.