Séamus Kirk (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Question 15: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the steps he will take to ensure that the broadcast media here are not dominated by a small number of players; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23853/11]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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The Advisory Group on Media Mergers Report points out that there are some indications of a trend towards the concentration of media ownership and that this may accelerate depending on economic circumstances.

Global trends also reveal a tendency by large media corporations to acquire other media organisations on a continuing basis.

The audiovisual media business in Ireland is subject to the same technological advances, growth of new media, globalisation and the convergence of what were formerly separate businesses.

These rapid advances in communication technologies, including, in particular, Internet based media offerings, provide both for freedom of expression and a plurality of voices but may also concentrate media in large conglomerates not subject to Irish jurisdiction.

I agree with the general view that, with increasing technological advances, growth of new media, and convergence of what were formerly separate businesses, new media is becoming inextricably interlinked. These fundamental changes mean that the traditional print media business is migrating to audiovisual media and the Internet in a rapidly globalising print and audiovisual media landscape.

On this basis, I see an increasing role for my Department and the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland in the media mergers area as desirable.

The public interest test in relation to media mergers currently rests with the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. Minister Bruton has recently brought legislative proposals to Government in this area and I understand that the proposed legislation, the Consumer and Competition Bill, is now being drafted. The issue of the future locus of the public interest test in relation to media mergers is being addressed in that context and I will be remaining very close to the issue during the drafting of legislation.