Johnny Mythen (Wexford, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank all the witnesses. I also thank Mr. Mulrennan and Mr. Crowley for appearing in person.

I come from a little town called Enniscorthy. We lost the Enniscorthy Echoa few years ago. It was famous and, I understand, the oldest local newspaper in the country at the time of its closure. It played a role in the 1916 Rising and all of that. It was very sad to see it go. The county still has the Enniscorthy Guardian, The New Ross Standardand the Wexford People. Deputies and county councillors are in regular contact with journalists and we know what is happening on the ground. Newspapers are under pressure and we understand that.

There is a social change under way, which we have to face. As the witnesses said, revenue stood at €367 million in 2007 and this has reduced by €280 million. Something is happening apart from Covid. How many of the member newspapers produce an e-paper and what are the challenges involved in moving online? Do journalists need to release news to social media quicker or instantly?