Christopher O'Sullivan (Cork South West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I apologise for missing the opening statements. I was otherwise engaged. I have known for quite a while that the witnesses were coming to this committee to address us and I felt it was important. Many Deputies and Senators will take it as an opportunity to mention their local newspaper and there is nothing wrong with that, because we are all aware of the incredible service provided by local newspapers. National newspapers deserve a mention here too. I see the challenges facing local print media at the coalface in my area. I am from Clonakilty in Cork South-West. It has The Southern Star. Sean Mahon sits on the board of Local Ireland and he has briefed me on this regularly. We also have the West Cork People, the Bandon Opinionand The Carrigdhoun. It is quite a healthy offering of local print media but we can see at first hand the challenges these titles face.

I want to speak about the contributions that newspapers have made, particularly during Covid, the information people had at first hand and the adaptability that they showed, whether switching to digital formats or going back to old-school newspaper delivery. I thought it was fantastic, when people were confined to within 2 km of their homes. I apologise if I am repeating what other members have said, as I was not here when they said it. I know people availed of a delivery service in their droves. They welcomed seeing their local newspaper. We must keep in mind that some people read it from front to back and really rely on it. The local newspaper was an important information service.

There has been mention of accountability. We probably all pay for political advertising in our local newspapers and we use it as an opportunity to express our views on certain matters or to deliver good news. However, there is also accountability. It is not like one is getting a free ride. We are held to account if there are mishaps. If there are issues on which people do not necessarily agree with us, we will be held to account. If that is lost, local accountability is lost. As Mr. O'Hanlon said, local print media is the most truthful, honest source. If ever there was a situation in which someone could not be accused of producing "fake news", it would be with local print media. It is honest, old-fashioned reporting. These newspapers provide support for local events, particularly awards ceremonies. Many local newspapers are connected to sports, business and tourism awards. We all take these for granted, but they have significant value.

I support the calls for extra grant aid. Mr. Mahon has briefed me on the benefits that a reduction in VAT would have, which I also support. I believe Mr. O'Hanlon mentioned how journalists must now write across both print and online media.

Are politicians and public representatives at fault in some way? I have been in politics for 13 years. Previously a politician who got a good news story would send a press release to the local media and now they are straight on to Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Are we playing a part in the demise of local media? I believe national print media has made not a seamless but quite a good transition to the digital world such as Twitter and having articles online. Even though the local newspapers are trying, they do not appear to be as successful at it. Do we have a part to play? Are we too quick to go to social media?