Mr. Ciaran Murray:

Go raibh maith agat as ucht an deis chun labhairt inniú. Community television is a distinct third sector in Irish television broadcasting. This is defined in Irish law, and is supported by EU resolution and Council of Europe recommendations. It differs from other broadcasters in several ways. This difference can be characterised by its ownership structure, its participatory element and by the diversity of views and voices it gives a platform to. It is owned and controlled by the community it serves with governance provided by a voluntary board of management. It facilitates participation at all levels and from a wide range of groups. Young people, older people, migrant communities, members of the Traveller community, people with disabilities and members of the LGBTQ+ communities all engage with community television. The difference is that these groups are actively involved at all stages of production and have editorial control over the content they produce. This is television made by communities for communities. We have the broad aim of making our society a better place to live through promoting a better understanding of the different communities that live here. Community television also deals with issues covered under the UN sustainable development goals and promotes media literacy as an integral part of its work. Community television is and has the potential to be an exciting place content on television that is not commercially viable. Students can also get access to have their content broadcast and gain valuable experience.

We have achieved a lot over the past 15 years since our first licensing with the then Broadcasting Commission of Ireland, BCI, but we know that we could achieve a whole lot more with some support for a more sustainable business model. There are two community television stations currently operating in Ireland, one in Dublin and one in Cork. To date the stations have been run primarily by volunteers. This is just not sustainable. This is where we ask for the committee's support. I will pass over to my colleague.