Taoiseach rejects call for inquiry into media ownership

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has rejected calls in the Dáil for a commission of inquiry into media ownership in Ireland to be set up.

Mr Kenny was asked by Catherine Murphy of the Social Democrats, whether he would back a public commission “to examine ownership, editorial control, employment standards including pension rights and measures to protect editorial independence”.

Such a call has been endorsed by the National Union of Journalists and an independent report commissioned by Lynn Boylan MEP.

The Report on the Concentration of Media Ownership in Ireland was authored by Doughty Street Chambers barristers Caoilfhionn Gallagher and Jonathan Price, and KRW Law solicitors Gavin Booth and Darragh Mackin.

Mr Kenny told TDs: “I think everybody can agree that a free and pluralistic media is an essential component of a modern democracy.

“The report mentioned by the Deputy is being examined by the Minster for Communications, Climate Action and Environment on the basis of his responsibility for media plurality.”

He added: “It is also important to say that many of the issues and conclusions raised in the report were debated in the House during the passage of the Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2014, which revised the Competition Act 2002.

“As the Deputy is aware, the 2014 Act gives the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the power to block any media merger that is deemed likely to be contrary to the public interest in maintaining the plurality of media in the State.

“Therefore, I do not see any reason for the setting up of a commission of inquiry into the matter.”