Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I believe the Cabinet is about to make an imminent decision on major funding for RTÉ without workable solutions being proposed for the independent sector. In the face of digital disruption and steadily escalating challenges and without any fair funding, the core news and current affairs services and resourcing are at risk of decline and serious erosion. I understand that in parallel with an announcement of major funding for RTÉ, the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media will also announce two journalism schemes. These will apparently be operated without any dedicated funding for local radio. I believe that these schemes may be presented as the support required and requested by the independent sector. However, this is not the case. Independent ratio stations do not currently receive any State supports for their core news and current affairs services. What is being proposed would not improve their lot. These schemes would not help them. I would be grateful if the Taoiseach could look at that matter. The Ceann Comhairle knows that independent radio stations such as Radio Kerry are irreplaceable.

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