Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As the Minister has rightly said, 80% of people get their news information from local radio stations. That is worth bearing in mind. I assume Deputy O'Connor was referring to the likes of Radio Youghal. I would refer to Cork City Community Radio and CUH FM Hospital Radio, not to mention bigger broadcasters like Cork's 96FM and C103. This type of funding is fundamental for them to continue doing what they do.

In an era of misinformation, disinformation and people questioning their news sources, it is pivotal that we continue to support this sector.

I have one question for the Minister concerning the Sound and Vision grants. Has the Department done any analysis of the reliance of local radio stations on these grants? Without these grants, would the viability of some local stations be called into question? Has any analysis been done on that?

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