Dáil Éireann - Volume 534 - 12 April, 2001

Written Answers - Independent Media Ombudsman.

Mr. O'Shea Mr. O'Shea

78. Mr. O'Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the proposals she has regarding an independent media ombudsman; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11261/01]

Ms Harney Ms Harney

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney): In recommending the establishment of an ombudsman to investigate complaints of breaches of press standards, the Commission on the Newspaper Industry was clear that the ombudsman should be appointed and funded by the newspaper industry itself. I agree with that recommendation. The newspaper industry has always linked its acceptance of the ombudsman proposal to changes in the law on defamation and in that respect I understand from my colleague the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform that proposals for legislation on defamation are being prepared in his Department.

Dáil Éireann 534 Written Answers Independent Media Ombudsman.

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