Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Vice Chairman. I welcome our guests. Whether local papers are paid for or free, I believe that most people would agree they are an instrument that drives civic engagement locally. They can cover local information, public meetings, community news, sports coverage, what is on locally, local authority updates, and keeping an eye on what is happening in the locality. They are vital in that aspect. With regard to the disinformation or false information that is widespread on social media and on websites that can disappear from the web, we never find that this is the case with local newspapers, which can be relied upon to deliver factual local news for people.

Following the witnesses' engagement with the Future of Media Commission, were they given any indication whatsoever that any of their asks or supports would be delivered? Was any indication given with regard to the particular type of supports they are looking for? Did the commission acknowledge the difficulties and challenges faced by the sector?