No Government decision had been taken on ownership of the media, the Tanaiste told the Dail.
Ms Harney said she was examining whether legislation was required to prevent the crossownership of different media interests. "But that is at a very preliminary stage, and I am not in a position at this stage to say what exactly we may be able to do in that area."
She said she believed in competition, and the Government had an unprecedented record in agreeing to privatise some State companies to allow competition.
Ms Harney was replying to the Fine Gael deputy leader, Mrs Nora Owen, who recalled that Ms Harney had told the Dail on Wednesday that she recognised the need for competition in the media. She asked the Tanaiste what legislation she intended to introduce to ensure greater competition.
"Would she describe to the House what she means by media? Does she also mean not only the written media but broadcasting and rebroadcasting of TV signals?" Mrs Owen added that Ms Harney had been examining the newspaper industry since coming into office.