Sir, - I refer to your editorial (April 23rd), concerning comments I made on the role of the media. I do not agree with all of the points made in your editorial but I do wish to congratulate you. on its balanced and temperate content. This contrasts with the reported comment of an NUJ official.
The Commission on the Newspaper Industry has 12, terms of reference, none of which suggest examining the possibility of a media council, though term number 11 allows it to consider "other matters which affect the industry".
My objective is to cause public debate and comment so that the views expressed might be considered by the commission. Ministers are not forbidden to take part in public debate while a commission of this kind sits.
As journalists are very slow to look to their own backyard, it might help if public representatives, including Ministers, prodded them to do so. The outcome could only benefit the industry itself, the public interest and the work of the commission on the newspaper industry.
I would also point out that my comments did not apply solely to the print media, my comments were meant to cover all media i.e., they go beyond the remit of the commission. - Yours etc.,
Minister of State,
Departments of the Taoiseach and Foreign Affairs,
Government Buildings,
Dublin 2.