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Fianna F\u00e1il leader Miche\u00e1l Martin has called for the Government and opposition parties to take action to ensure media outlets are not pressured by \u201coverbearing influences\u201d in response to the Independent News and Media (INM) data breach controversy.<\/p>\n
Mr Martin said he was watching events with \u201cprofound concern\u201d and had been \u201ctaken aback by the revelations of the last week to 10 days\u201d.<\/p>\n
Last week, it emerged that the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE) is examining issues surrounding the alleged data breach of private information relating to 19 named individuals linked to INM.<\/p>\n
The ODCE is to apply to have High Court inspectors appointed to INM on foot of concerns about the proposed purchase of Newstalk radio and an alleged data breach. The case is due to be heard on April 16.<\/p>\n
In addition, there are concerns the data of thousands of other individuals stretching back two decades may have also been compromised when the information was examined for disputed reasons by an outside third party.<\/p>\n
Newspaper reports yesterday said INM did not fully inform the Data Protection Commissioner of the scale of the data breach \u2014 which raises serious concerns over the security of journalists\u2019 sources \u2014 while it is expected an independent probe into the controversy will begin within weeks.<\/p>\n
A number of Government ministers, including Communications Minister Denis Naughten, have declined to comment on the issue in any depth, citing the fact the controversy is due to be examined in court.<\/p>\n
However, Mr Martin, the most senior politician to address the scandal, said what has been unearthed is of \u201cprofound concern\u201d.<\/p>\n
Speaking on RT\u00c9\u2019s The Week in Politics he said: \u201cI think all of us have been taken aback by the revelations of the last week to 10 days.<\/p>\n
\u201cObviously we have to await the full publication of the affidavit that the ODCE will be representing to the High Court.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut from my perspective, I\u2019m watching developments with really profound concern with what it entails for us as a democracy,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Asked what actions should be taken, Mr Martin again noted the court moves, but said he believes it is time the \u201cpolitical system\u201d intervenes.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt will have to ultimately really involve the political system in making sure that we take decisions that once and for all ring-fence the independence of our media, underpin it, and make sure it\u2019s free from any overbearing influences that can actually act to distort and undermine our democracy.\u201d<\/p>\n