Dr Meehan appealed the decision of the Press Ombudsman to the Press Council of Ireland on the grounds that there was an error in the Press Ombudsman’s application of Principle 1.2 (Truth and Accuracy) of the Code of Practice.
Dr Meehan argued that having regard to the meaning of Principle 1.2 of the Code of Practice, the Press Ombudsman should have decided that The Irish Times was obliged to assess objectively the apparent statement of fact it published against what he said was supplied contrary evidence, and that the publication was required to publish a clarification, correction or response.
At its meeting on 3 July 2024 the Press Council considered the appeal on the grounds relied upon and on the information, documentation and submissions made by both parties to the appeal.
Appeal Decision
The Press Council decided to reject the appeal. The appellant disagreed with the decision of the Press Ombudsman, but the Press Council decided that there was no evidence that the Press Ombudsman had erred in her application of Principle 1.2 of the Code, which was clearly encompassed in her decision.