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

I thank Deputy Munster. Public service media are a key pillar of our society and, in particular, of our democracy. This has never been more apparent than over the past number of years from maintaining cultural, educational and social engagement during Covid restrictions to countering disinformation through trusted content. They must, however, be supported with adequate resources through a reliable and sustainable funding model. While successive Governments have failed to address the question of how to fund public service media, this Government is committed to doing so, and we will make our decision on the future funding model known prior to the Dáil summer recess.

The need for funding reform was a key issue considered by the Future of Media Commission, but it has been brought into sharp focus by the decline of TV licence fee receipts since last summer. Indeed, the report of the expert advisory committee that reported on the governance and culture of RTÉ reiterated the need for a more sustainable funding model. A number of potential funding options have been discussed, including that of direct Exchequer support. As I have said on many occasions, what matters is that we deliver a funding model that is sustainable, protects media independence and is publicly acceptable.

It is important to remember that this is not just a question of how RTÉ is funded or supported. It is also about supporting public service content provided by a range of independent broadcasters and producers under the Sound and Vision scheme and by local newspapers and radio stations under the new media fund through schemes such as those for local democracy and courts reporting, which are to launch this year.

It is critical that media independence be protected under a new model. I have stated previously that, as recommended by the Future of Media Commission, there are protections that can be implemented to safeguard the independence of public service media from external influences. These recommendations include multi-annual funding levels, assessed and set by the independent regulator, Coimisiún na Meán; a stronger role for the regulator in setting and reviewing the performance targets of public service broadcasters; and reduced scope for the Government to disregard funding recommendations. These reforms will not take place overnight. There will need to be legislative change to replace the current system, which will of course take some time, as will the implementation of a new model. I have said before that if we, as public representatives, really cherish and value public service broadcasting, it is incumbent on all parties to work together closely and constructively in bringing any legislative changes that are required through the Houses of the Oireachtas. I am committed to delivering on this issue so that sustainable support for public service media is put in place for the benefit of the Irish public.

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