THE NATIONAL Union of Journalists has sought clarification from the Referendum Commission as to whether the confidentiality of journalists’ sources might be at risk if the amendment on Oireachtas inquiries is passed.
However, the chairman of the Referendum Commission, Mr Justice Bryan McMahon, responded that answers must await passage of legislation on foot of the proposed amendment, if passed, and any subsequent relevant judgments by the courts.
Séamus Dooley, Irish secretary of the NUJ wrote to Mr Justice McMahon yesterday saying that the union had received a number of inquiries from members fearful of the implications of the proposed amendment.
They were concerned about the protection of confidential sources and documents, in the possession of media organisations and individual journalists, he said.
He stressed that the union had not taken a position in relation to the referendum, and would not be making a recommendation as to how members would vote.
“We have always favoured the concept of parliamentary inquiry and our concerns relate to the possible implications of the current proposed amendment.
“This should not be interpreted as opposition to the principle that elected representatives should have the power to carry out inquiries in appropriate circumstances and with appropriate safeguards,” Mr Dooley said.
He pointed out that the Supreme Court had vindicated the right of journalists to protect confidential sources of information in the public interest, notably in the recent case involving The Irish Times protecting a source which revealed information relating to the then taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, to the Mahon tribunal.