Minister for Education, Ruairí Quinn T.D. at the inaugural 2012 'Issues in Irish Journalism' seminar at UL

Minister for Education Addresses UL Journalism Students

Thursday, 2nd February 2012 Tags: Ruairi Quinn, Minister for Education, Issues In Irish Journalism, Tom Felle, Course Director of the BA in Journalism and New Media, University of Limerick,

Minister for Education, Ruairí Quinn T.D. addressed journalism students at the inaugural 2012 'Issues in Irish Journalism' seminar series held at the University of Limerick. Minister Quinn congratulated the organisers of the series and answered a number of questions put by the students. He said that the internet and on-line media were one threat to the print media, especially newspapers. The other main threat was the possible collapse of the traditional economic model of newspapers. Such a collapse, were it to occur, should be of concern, not just to journalism students, but to all citizens, he added.

Tom Felle, Course Director of the BA in Journalism and New Media and moderator of the seminar said; “Journalists ask the tough questions and hold those in power to account, and today the Minister for Education was held to account by the future journalists of this country. These are difficult times, but even more so for Ireland's third level students. A strong democracy, and a strong and independent media are just as important as securing the economy.”

Tom Felle added; “The journalism seminar series has attracted some of the most influential people in Ireland, giving UL's journalism students unprecedented access to discuss important matters with the very people people who make the decisions. We're delighted the Minister for Education took time out of his busy schedule and agreed to launch the 2012 series."

The talk covered issues relating to Freedom of Information, media and privacy and education issues.

UL regularly invites leading industry figures to speak at the ‘Issues in Irish Journalism’ seminar series, among the speakers to date include Robert Fisk, The Independent’s world renowned Middle East Correspondent, Irish Daily Star managing director Gerard Colleran, the late Dr Garret FitzGerald and former The Irish Times editor Geraldine Kennedy.

Upcoming ‘Issues in Irish Journalism’ speakers include;RTE chief news correspondent Charlie Bird (6th February), former kidnap victim and Concern aid worker Sharon Commins (13th February 13), Former Irish Independent farming editor and MEP Mairead McGuinness (27th February).

To listen to the podcast of Minister Quinn's talk, click here.