Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The media sector in Ireland, which is a vital element of our democracy and society as a whole, is undergoing fundamental change. These changes are for the most part driven by advances in technology and the manner in which we consume media content. The Government is committed to putting in place a framework that will enable a sustainable future for a vibrant, diverse and independent media sector, encompassing print, audiovisual, radio and online.

A key element in this was the establishment of the Future of Media Commission, which was chaired by Professor Brian MacCraith. I am sure the Deputy appreciates that the commission's task was a complex one with a remit to address the many issues of concern for the entire media industry. As a result, the its report and the wide ranging recommendations it contains has required careful and detailed thought.

However, the consideration of the commission’s report cannot be carried out in isolation but must have regard to a range of other complex and interrelated issues that the Government is addressing in the wider media and digital space. These include the national digital strategy and Ireland’s approach to the implementation of the Digital Services Act, which has been recently agreed at political level in Europe. Another key element of this overall approach is the Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill 2022, which is currently on Committee Stage in the Seanad, and in particular the establishment of a new media regulator, coimisiún na meán.

An coimisiún will provide the regulatory and developmental framework to implement the report of the Future of Media Commission. The commission will comprise an executive chairperson and three additional commissioners, including a broadcasting commissioner and a media development commissioner. Both of these will have a role in ensuring the effective delivery of the report. The detailed consideration of the Future of Media Commission’s report by an Taoiseach, the Minister, Deputy Catherine Martin, and other key Ministers is nearing conclusion and will be brought to the Government for consideration in the coming weeks.

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