Sir, – It is an extraordinary course of events that we have arrived at when the media is prevented from reporting on proceedings in our parliament.
Aside from the issue of absolute privilege that I and my colleagues enjoy for our utterances within the Houses of the Oireachtas, there is the issue of the public’s right to know what is being said and done on its behalf by its public representatives.
A free media is one of the cornerstones of the democratic system of government. An engaged and informed populace is an essential feature of a republic. What occurred on Thursday evening crossed a line and has threatened both of these values.
Even if all of Catherine Murphy TD’s contribution to the Dáil is not entirely accurate, and I am not suggesting that she was in error, then that would still not excuse any attempt to silence the reporting of her comments. The Dáil itself can and does censure members if we abuse privilege.
Ultimately, it falls to the electorate during a general election to pass judgment on the behaviour of its public representatives.
To do that effectively, it needs to be informed.
Finally, some of the criticism levelled at media outlets has been unfair. If brought before a court these companies would face a significant inequality of arms in terms of the financial resources that might be deployed against them.
They have responsibilities not only to their own shareholders, but also, and more significantly, to their employees.
It is incumbent on the State to move to defend the right of the media to report on parliamentary proceedings. The Government should recall the Dáil to debate the matter and to determine what legislative response is now required. – Yours, etc,
COLM KEAVENEY, TD
Fianna Fáil,
Leinster House, Dublin 2.