IT WAS most unhealthy for democracy that one dominant newspaper group in the State could decide to set up individuals and take them out, Mr Pat Magner (Lab) said.
It was time they had a debate on the ownership of the Irish newspaper industry, "which is concentrated unfairly, in my view, in very few hands indeed. And we all know whose hands I am talking about."
Mr Magner said he agreed with Mr Tom Enright (FG) that there should be a debate on the newspaper industry and the dumping of British newspapers on the Irish market.
"But far more importantly, as far as I am concerned, is the dominance of the indigenous market by one group whose influence far exceeds the collective influence of members of this House."
In his call for a debate, Mr Enright said the widespread dumping of British newspapers was putting great pressure on Irish national and provincial publications.
Such a debate should encompass recent articles in Irish and British papers about politicians' families. A member of the Dail had signalled her intention to quit politics, he noted.
There should be a debate on whether guidelines or a press council should be introduced.
Supporting Mr Enright, Ms Mary Kelly (Lab) said there was also a need to strongly condemn the growing practice of groups to protest noisily outside the homes of Ministers, especially at weekends. Such demonstrations had an effect not just on office holders but on their families and on entire neighbourhoods.
The leader of the House, Mr Maurice Manning, said the report which had been published on the Irish newspaper industry would provide a structure for this kind of debate, which could also cover issues such as privacy and ethics in journalism. He would look at the possibility of having all these matters aired.