Joint Committee to meet on media conflict resolutions

Meeting chaired by Cavan-Monaghan TD Niamh Smyth.

The Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport and Media will meet later this afternoon to hear proposals on for a non-court based conflict resolution mechanisms for the handling of media related complaints.

The meeting takes place in Committee Room 1 of Leinster House on Wednesday, January 17 at 1:30pm.

The meeting will hear from representatives from Local Ireland, NewsBrands Ireland, the National Union of Journalists, the Press Council of Ireland and Office of the Press Ombudsman, and the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland.

Speaking ahead of the meeting Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Niamh Smyth said: “Our meeting tomorrow will allow the Committee the opportunity to engage with those bodies directly impacted by the conflict resolution mechanisms currently in place for handling media related complaints. We note that our colleagues on the Joint Committee on Justice recommended through its Pre-Legislative Scrutiny of the General Scheme of the Defamation (Amendment) Bill that consideration be given to introducing a serious harm test for all cases of defamation.”

The Cavan-Monaghan TD added: “Our Committee has been committed to and continues the encouragement and promotion of a free press in Ireland. We are aware of the importance of the press to a functioning democracy and Irish society and we have held meetings on wide-ranging issues relating to the future of all media with diverse stakeholders from the sector across the entire country.

“We intend to get a clear indication from the representatives attending tomorrow on the current situation and changes they would like to see implemented.”