Statement from Professor John Horgan, Press Ombudsman

With the publication of the logo of the Press Council of Ireland and the Press Ombudsman on its website, The Irish Times indicates to its readers that it is now a fully participating member of the new scheme which, in addition to defending the freedom of the press, offers readers a quick, fair and free method of dealing with complaints that they may have in relation to articles that appear in its pages.

This unique development is fully supported by this publication and by other publications which carry the same logo.

It is based on a new Code of Practice to which this periodical and others which support the Press Council have fully subscribed. It is a guarantee to readers that the best professional standards will be applied in this publication and that, in an era in which the sources of news and information are becoming ever more diverse, the values of authenticity, reliability and accuracy will continue to be prized and defended. The new system now offers readers, in addition, real accountability and a responsiveness to their concerns. It also serves to underline the key role that this and the other publications in the scheme play in Irish society.

Copies of the Code of Practice are available by post from the Office of the Press Ombudsman, 1,2 and 3 Westmoreland Street, Dublin 2, and at www.pressombudsman.ie.