An issue arose during the March meeting of Piltown District Council, when Fianna Fáil Councillor, Jenny Catt Slattery, stopped the meeting to ask if a dictaphone placed on the table amongst a number of mobile phones, was recording.
After confirming that it was, some of the councillors and council officials took issue at having the discussion recorded. The meeting was being recorded by journalists as back-up to their notes, as the sound quality at the meetings can be inadequate.
Speaking at the meeting, one council official wisely commented “I think that’s going on years.”
Other jurisdictions in the South East allow journalists to record all council meetings for their own notes. Waterford Council allows clips of their meetings to be broadcast on radio and some councils allow their meetings to be streamed online.
The Munster Express spoke to the Cathaoirleach Pat Dunphy about the issue, who confirmed that the councillors intended to meet before the April meeting to discuss the issue.
Cathaoirleach Dunphy addressed the press table as the April District Council meeting was just about to begin, explaining that the councillors had met and had decided not to permit audio recordings of their monthly meetings. He also explained that councillors could be approached after meetings and commended the journalists present for doing a good job.
TRANSPARENCY
This decision raises questions of transparency as journalists are not allowed to keep an objective record of what was said in public meetings between public representatives—where discussions often involve public funds, infrastructure projects, and other issues of public interest.
The Council for the District of Piltown routinely have workshops and meetings where the media are not allowed to attend, which is common throughout all Councils. The monthly meeting for the District, where these objections arose, is the only regular meeting that media can join and report on for the benefit of the public.
After being contacted for a comment, Kilkenny County Council confirmed that the standing orders state that audio recording is only permitted once it has been approved by the Council.
Following the meeting, Cathaoirleach Dunphy spoke to The Munster Express. He explained that the decision was unanimous among the Councillors, including himself, Jenny Cat Slattery (FF), Ger Frisby (FF), Fidelis Doherty (FG), and Tomás Breathnach (Lab).
Cllr. Dunphy explained that the decision was taken not to allow recording as “It might impact the quality of the meeting.”
He also explained that they were taking their lead from the main Plenary meeting in Kilkenny.
“It’s a fact,” said Dunphy, “that in the Dáil they get Dáil privilege, but we don’t get anything like that at Council level.”
Dáil privilege means TDs cannot be legally pursued for what they say in the Dáil—with some exceptions.
After the meeting for April, Council Officials provided the press table with additional copies of the monthly reports. Councillors and Council Officials for the Piltown District are responsive and helpful when contacted by the media for comment.
AARON KENT
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
