Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

In respect of community media and local radio, the purpose of the amendments we have submitted is to ensure that community television, and not only community radio, can also avail of schemes. This amendment doubles up the order to include the local radio broadcasters that have been omitted despite having been included in the original scheme, as the Minister mentioned, by the then Minister, Deputy Naughten.

Amendments Nos. 297 and 299 involve changes that will enable community media to develop a role as an overlap between the media and community development sector and facilitate the last mile, if you like, of public service media in Ireland, from the national to the hyperlocal, and recognition as such in the Bill would add to a coherent understanding of the development value of the community media sector in the future. We spoke last night about the value of local media. It is invaluable.

Amendment No. 300 is to ensure that local radio is included in the scheme as opposed to just community radio.