Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 90: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the proposal by the President of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors that television coverage of major criminal trials should be allowed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14044/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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There are no statutory provisions dealing with the taking of photographs, television or video recordings in court. As pointed out by the Law Reform Commission in a Consultation Paper published in 1991 dealing with reform of the law in relation to contempt of court, in the absence of any such provisions, the matter appears to be one governed by the inherent jurisdiction of the court, that is, a matter for the presiding judge. In fact, in April 1995, RTE filmed the opening arguments in the Supreme Court hearing of Re the Regulation of Information (Services Outside the State for the Termination of Pregnancies) Bill 1995. I understand that this was the first time that a broadcasting company was permitted to film a court in this State in session.

For my part, while mindful of the issues raised by the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors, I have no proposals to introduce legislation in the matter.