Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

The future of the media commission also has consideration of the Irish language and media within its remit. I made sure to have someone on the commission who is fluent in Irish and works in the sector. I recognise the work TG4 has done in providing an important source of news, education and public service information during this time, maintaining and adapting its schedule to respond to its audience needs despite the production challenge posed by the health restrictions. The delivery of broadcasting services through the medium of Irish plays a vital role in the implementation of the Government's 20-year strategy for the Irish language and TG4 has been essential in that regard. TG4 plays an important role in bringing Irish language and culture to Irish-speaking audiences, providing innovative and relevant content through television and its online services. In addition, as a publisher and broadcaster, it also provides valuable support to the Irish creative sector, spending €23 million in 2019. I look forward to the recommendations of the commission in this regard.

As the Deputy said, there is a need to support quality journalism and media now more than ever. I am committed to doing so and that includes RTÉ but I do not want to pre-empt the work of the commission.

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