Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I again acknowledge the support and co-operation of the Minister's officials in meeting with Deputy Naughten and me to discuss these issues following the committee meeting. When I mentioned music at the committee, the Minister said I was getting to the soul of the matter. Local radio goes beyond the usual in what it provides, all of which we have become used to having. During the pandemic, as Deputy Cannon mentioned, it was there to broadcast the local mass. It provided a service, especially for people living alone. Last Sunday, there was a fatal accident beside my house, following which roads were closed and diversions were set up. It was the day of the replay of the Galway county hurling final between the Loughrea and St. Thomas clubs. It was great to have the diversions in place to allow people to get to the match in Galway city and go about their normal business. When we had flooding in Galway, a road would be flooded in the morning and by noon that day, another one would be under water. All of that information was put out by the local radio station. It was given during breaks in musical programmes or as part of current affairs broadcasting.

I reiterate the point about the pressure local radio stations are under right now. It would be a great gesture if the levy were deferred for 2023. Taking into account what was done in regard to the VAT rate on local newspapers, this would be equally appreciated by and acceptable to everybody concerned. Given the jobs involved and the pressure the stations are under, a one-year deferral would give the Minister a chance to look at the situation within the overall scope of how she will deal with the levy into the future. It would be a great gesture for the radio stations, giving them a lifeline that would ensure they can form their businesses into something that will be viable in the aftermath of the Covid period.

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