I am sure the Taoiseach will agree that the media play a critical role in our democracy, that a plurality of media is essential, that there must be diverse articulation of opinion across the board and that an over-concentration of media ownership in a democracy is potentially very harmful. Will the Taoiseach say when he expects the promised consumer and competition Bill to be published? Can he confirm that there appears to be some rowing back from the media dimension of that Bill, as I have read recently, and that there will not now be legislation dealing with media plurality and media ownership? It is not on the A, B or C list of proposed legislation.

I agree that the media are critical in how they present the issues of the day. Objectivity, clarity and truth are very important. However, I see many stories being spun in particular ways and I have no control over that. This matter is obviously important for every person in the country. The consumer and competition Bill will be published in this session-----

Media mergers legislation?

That is an element of the Bill that the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Richard Bruton, will pilot through the House. The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources also has a role in respect of the Bill.