Mr. Rónán Ó Domhnaill:

We have a variety of methods through our various funding schemes. Almost by definition regional areas are covered through our funding. Sound and Vision funding schemes tend to fund programmes that might not get made without this funding. Some examples would be "Beo ón gCuan", a series of concerts recorded at Stiúideo Cuan in An Spidéal, and "Anam na Mara" a programme for TG4 about currach racing. These are all programmes that are made and filmed in regional areas of Ireland. Some 25% of the funding is allocated for Irish language programming, much of which takes place in various regions in the Gaeltacht.

On our journalism schemes for news and current affairs, local democracy reporting and court reporting, which I am sure the Senator is very aware of, €5.7 million is being allocated to various newspapers across the country to ensure local news coverage in the industry. That will increase through other schemes towards the end of the year.