Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 126: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he is bringing any proposals forward in the context of his recent comments on the UK Leveson Inquiry and press standards and the media sector here; if he will consider a statutory independent press council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30304/12]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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As the Deputy will be aware, I currently have no function with regard to the print media sector, and as such have no powers to legislate for that sector. However, legislation is being prepared by my colleague, the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation that, once enacted, will transfer responsibility for a modernised media mergers system to my Department.

The Press Council here has been in operation since 2008, and is recognised in law under the Defamation Act 2009. As such, it is independent and has a statutory basis, despite not being a State Body. Also, it should be noted that the Press Council model has been highlighted at the Leveson Inquiry as a potential model for the UK to follow. Whilst it is only when this Inquiry has formally reported that there will be any formal recommendations to consider, it is also worth noting that we have a very different culture in print media in Ireland, and there is no evidence to suggest that the same abuses took place here. I know the Press Council will carefully evaluate the outcome of the Leveson Inquiry, and the Government will be happy to engage with them at the appropriate time on any suggestions they may have around improving the systems of governance in this critical area.