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

Absolutely. I think we value public service broadcasting now more than ever. As the Deputy knows, the Future of Media Commission made certain recommendations for schemes that would support radio and print. Two of those relate to local democracy and court reporting. I have secured €6 million in the budget. It is almost like an interim model for them. Those schemes will be launched next year. We have been engaging extensively with the industry until we get the long-term funding model secured. That long-term funding model will support radio, print and online media. The good news for them is that we intend to launch the court reporting and local democracy schemes next year. The intention is that, as soon as those expert advisory committee reports land, which I believe will be in February, we will be in a position to make an announcement as soon as possible and to work with the committee and all Members here. It is an opportunity for all Members of the House to show how they value public service broadcasting, if there is a need for legislation, through the speedy progress of that legislation.

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