330 complaints were made about the press in 2017, up from 261 the year before.

Fake news is impossible to regulate and will only be combatted by discerning readers and the strengthening of traditional media, the Communications Minister warns.

The country’s first press ombudsman has officially retired and described the role as one of the most rewarding of his distinguished career.

The former RTÉ boss who was in charge of dealing with complaints from the public about the stationwill take over as press ombudsman later in the year.