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

A healthy, independent and well-functioning media system is critical to our democracy, providing a platform for diverse opinion, challenge and debate. It is also of key importance for our cultural vibrancy and development, not least in supporting Irish content in a globalised marketplace.

Recognising this vital role played by the wider media sector in our society and the fact the media system as a whole is under severe financial pressure, the Government established the Future of Media Commission, chaired by Professor Brian MacCraith, to consider the way forward at a time of profound change and significant challenges. As such, the commission's task was a complex one, with a remit that was broader than simply examining the funding of public service broadcasting.

This is about putting in place a sustainable framework for the wider media sector: print, radio and all other platforms. It is about enabling greater accessibility, equality, diversity and inclusivity in the media, supporting environmental sustainability, and the promotion of our language, culture and creativity.

On the question of future funding, the commission was asked to examine how public service media can be funded in a way that is sustainable, gives greater security to the sector, ensures independent editorial oversight and delivers value for money. Given the wide-ranging and far-reaching recommendations the commission has addressed, it is only right we give the report very careful and detailed consideration. The commission's work must also be considered in the context of a range of other complex and interrelated issues that will require decisions by Government in the media and wider digital space. These include the recently published national digital strategy, the Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill and Ireland's approach to the implementation of the forthcoming Digital Services Act.

I met with Professor MacCraith on a number of occasions since the commission was established, including since the commission's report was finalised. I also recently met with an Taoiseach and other Cabinet colleagues as part of our collective examination of the commission's report. It is intended that the Future of Media Commission report will be brought to Cabinet in the coming weeks, following which it will be published.

With regard to the current funding model, public sector broadcasting is funded by revenues from the TV licence fee and the Exchequer, with An Post the designated collection agent for the TV Licence fee. This will continue until such time as the Government may decide on an alternative funding model.

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