Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Is the Cathaoirleach of the Seanad not wonderful, with the history he knows of the place and how he can so easily transport it to the subject we are discussing today? It is true that the reason for this meeting is that we believe in truth and transparency and the important role the media play in our democracy. We are passionate about that and will do whatever we can to support media organisations to continue to do that. It is equally important to welcome my colleagues, all of whom the witnesses will know. Deputy Dillon needs no introduction and we also have Deputy Mythen, as well as Senators Murphy, Malcolm Byrne and Warfield. I thank them for attending the meeting to listen to the witnesses' contributions. In the same way as at any committee meeting, people may come and go. It is not a reflection of what the witnesses are saying or anything like that. We have a long session today and my colleagues are involved in other business in the Dáil and Seanad and other committees so please bear with us.

With the ever-changing landscape of radio and print media journalism, the committee is delighted to welcome the witnesses to the Seanad Chamber today as we look to engage with the impacted parties and gain invaluable insight into what we consider necessary to build sustainability into the fluctuating media sector. The committee met the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Deputy Catherine Martin, on 14 September 2022 to discuss the final report of the Future of Media Commission, the independent body established to consider how broadcast, print and online media can remain sustainable and resilient in delivering public service aims in the next decade. On foot of those discussions with the Minister, Deputy Catherine Martin, the committee agreed it would convene a series of meetings with media providers, civil society groups and other relevant stakeholders to discuss future business-model plans and long-term vision for the media sector. A diverse, vibrant and independent media sector is essential to our wider society, democracy, cultural development and social cohesion. The committee is eager to hear from a large range of voices on these issues of vital national importance. The committee looks forward to hearing first-hand the views and recommendations of stakeholders from radio, print media and journalism on how this much-valued sector can be supported, protected and maintained for the next decade.

I am therefore delighted to welcome the following witnesses to the Seanad Chamber on behalf of the committee. From CRAOL, I welcome Mr. Jack Byrne, honorary president; Mr. Jeff Murphy, vice-chairperson; Mr. Brian Greene, technical adviser; Ms Mairéad Cullen, co-ordination committee member and Mr. Patrick Quinn, treasurer. From the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland, IBI, I welcome Mr. John Purcell, chairperson; Ms Fionnuala Rabbitt, of Highland Radio; Ms Gabrielle Cummins, of Beat FM; Mr. Simon Myciunka - I hope I am pronouncing that correctly - CEO of Bauer Media Ireland; Mr. Kieran McGeary, station director of Cork 96 and C103; Mr. Gerry O’Sullivan, Radio Kerry; and Ms Teresa Hanratty, Learning Waves. From Clare FM I welcome Mr. Ronan McManamy, chief executive. From the Dublin City University, DCU, institute for future media, democracy and society, I welcome Dr. Dawn Wheatley, assistant professor at the school of communications. From Dublin Digital Radio I welcome Mr. Seán Finnan, co-founder; and Ms Laetitia Deering and Mr. Robbie Kitt of the radio's steering committee. From the National Union of Journalists, NUJ, I welcome Mr. Séamus Dooley, Irish Secretary; and Mr. Ian McGuinness, Irish organiser. From Local Ireland I welcome Mr. Bob Hughes, executive director; Ms Linda O’Reilly, editor of The Anglo-Celt; and Mr. Frank Mulrennan, CEO, Celtic Media Group. Finally, from NewsBrands, I welcome Mr. Colm O’Reilly, chair of NewsBrands and chief operating officer at Business Post Group; Ms Sammi Bourke, chief operating officer, Irish Farmers Journal; Mr. Conor Goodman, deputy editor at The Irish Times; and Mr. Mark Deering, head of corporate affairs at DMG Media. I also welcome Ms Ann-Marie Lenihan, who joins us in the Public Gallery.

The format of the meeting is that I will invite witnesses to deliver their opening statements, which should not take more than five minutes. This will be followed by questions from the members of the committee. The witnesses are probably aware that the committee may publish the opening statements on its website.

Before I invite our witnesses to deliver their opening statements, I wish to explain some limitations regarding parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses as regards references witnesses may make to other persons in their evidence. The evidence of witnesses physically present or of those who give evidence from within the parliamentary precincts is protected, pursuant to both the Constitution and statute, by absolute privilege. Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way to make him, her or it identifiable or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of that person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

We will proceed with the opening statements. I invite Mr. Jack Byrne of CRAOL to commence. He is very welcome as our first speaker and witness.