While the National Union of Journalists had rightly suggested that the Copyright Bill took away some of its powers, it was still important to permit journalists to retain the right to use their work outside the context of their employment, the Minister of State for Enterprise, Trade and Industry, Mr Tom Kitt, told the House.
Mr David Norris (Ind) said journalists had a tough life and "should be entitled to elements of copyright".
Dr Mary Henry (Ind) said: "Independent Newspapers . . . is in a stronger position to suppress an article it does not want published than is The Irish Times, the Examiner, the Sunday Business Post and other smaller journals. It remains a serious concern that a powerful group will be in a powerful situation."
