Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the witnesses, including those who are joining us remotely. I come from a rural constituency in the west. In County Mayo our local newspaper is a vital part of weekly life. We have some very established titles. Mr. O'Hanlon will be familiar withThe Connaught Telegraphand the work of Mr. Tom Kelly, The Western People, and Mr. James Laffey and Mr. Michael John Duffy in the Mayo News. These newspapers connect communities and give them a sense of belonging, as well as pride of place, especially when they are weekly publications. I should also mention the Mayo Advertiser and Mr. Declan Varley. He is doing a great job. Local newspapers are a great source of local employment, from sales and marketing executives to journalists and correspondents. Mr. Mulrennan referred to reports on local authorities, the courts and local sporting events.

I have two questions to pose in the limited time available, one of which is directed at Mr. Mulrennan. He talked about the impact of building a digital business model. In order to make The Connaught Telegraph, my local title, more sustainable, what examples does he have of newspapers going online or making the transition to a digital platform? Mr. Mulrennan touched briefly on an issue with Senator Byrne. Could he provide more information on the losses within the industry at present?

This question is for Mr. Crowley. How would a reduction in VAT support the print media sector? Could he provide further information on what has been done in other jurisdictions and the model he would favour?