The review was dubbed a “Leveson for Northern Ireland” by DUP MP Ian Paisley, but it will not take the form of a statutory inquiry, according to Culture Secretary Matt Hancock.

The proposal was accepted at the same time the government narrowly defeated a proposal to revive a second public inquiry into the conduct of the British press by 304-295 in the House of Commons.

The Northern Ireland review coincides with a UK-wide review of journalists’ compliance with new data protection regulations.

Séamus Dooley, assistant general secretary of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ), said the union will seek “full consultation” on the terms of reference of the proposed review.

He added: “It would have been possible to include a Northern Ireland strand in Leveson if that was deemed necessary. Instead we had the farcical situation of Matt Hancock rejecting Leveson Two while simultaneously promising the DUP what Ian Paisley MP has described as ‘Leveson for Northern Ireland’.

“From an NUJ perspective there needs to be wide-ranging consultation on the terms of reference for any inquiry. The appointed person need not be a lawyer. There is a compelling case for a broad ranging commission, which would examine the range of challenges facing journalism and journalists in Northern Ireland, including economic challenges faced by the industry, conditions of employment, recent threats to journalists and the failure of the Police Service of Northern Ireland to properly investigate the murder of Martin O’Hagan.

“The lack of media diversity and difficulties faced by those seeking to enter the profession, including women and those from ethnic minority backgrounds is also of concern.

“If there is to be an inquiry into the press in Northern Ireland, let it be independent, meaningful and worthwhile. It cannot simply be a sop to those who may have an axe to grind.”