Results 2,821-2,840 of 7,556 for speaker:Catherine Martin

Written Answers — Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Cycling Facilities (14 Sep 2022)

Catherine Martin: My Department's role in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of national tourism policy and implementation of that policy is a matter for the tourism agencies, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland, as well as certain other bodies. With specific regard to the development of tourism product offerings, these are operational matters for Fáilte Ireland in line with its tourism...

Written Answers — Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Departmental Staff (14 Sep 2022)

Catherine Martin: A formal application process will shortly commence to facilitate staff applying for blended working arrangements under the Department's Blended Working Policy. My Department's policy will align with the Blended Working Policy Framework for Civil Service. The majority of staff in my Department are currently working on a interim blended working pattern of two days attendance in the office.

Written Answers — Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Tourism Promotion (14 Sep 2022)

Catherine Martin: The matter raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Tourism Ireland. Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's question to Tourism Ireland for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you have not received a reply within ten working days.

Written Answers — Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Cost of Living Issues (14 Sep 2022)

Catherine Martin: A diverse, vibrant and independent media sector is vital to our democracy and society as a whole, and this has never been more evident than over the past number of years. The important role the sector plays was underlined in the report of the Future of Media Commission, which also highlighted the value which the public places on public service media content. The Commission's report...

Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport And Media: Future of Media Commission Report: Discussion (14 Sep 2022)

Catherine Martin: Gabhaim buíochas leis an gCathaoirleach agus le comhaltaí an choiste as cuireadh a thabhairt dom bualadh libh inniu chun plé a dhéanamh ar an tuarascáil um Choimisiún na Meán. I again thank Professor Brian MacCraith and the other commission members for this insightful and detailed report. A diverse, vibrant and independent media sector is essential for...

Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport And Media: Future of Media Commission Report: Discussion (14 Sep 2022)

Catherine Martin: The Future of Media Commission identified a range of challenges in relation to retaining the TV licence system. The commission also considered potential challenges associated with other funding models. As I said, the Government believes that maintaining a direct link between broadcasters and the public is important and reforming the TV licence fee system to make it more equitable and...

Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport And Media: Future of Media Commission Report: Discussion (14 Sep 2022)

Catherine Martin: The system needs to be more equitable, and it will involve a long-term plan. The technical working group is currently working on the reform of the TV licence, which is a long-term plan. The Government was of the view that to move to an Exchequer-based funding model would raise certain concerns in respect of the independence of media funding. We need to minimise the risk of actual or even...

Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport And Media: Future of Media Commission Report: Discussion (14 Sep 2022)

Catherine Martin: There will be change because the technical group is examining a completely reformed model. The terms of reference look at liability, the database, collection, enforcement and implementation. That group is up and running and is due to report back to me by November. Any interim measures the Deputy is talking about outside of that will form part of the budgetary negotiations over the coming...

Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport And Media: Future of Media Commission Report: Discussion (14 Sep 2022)

Catherine Martin: There is a parallel process as well. The technical group is up and running to look at reform of the TV licence but there is also an implementation group. This is exactly what the group will be looking at. It will examine what happens now, the actions that need to be taken and the stakeholder engagement and will come back to me with a plan. The implementation group will take all of that...

Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport And Media: Future of Media Commission Report: Discussion (14 Sep 2022)

Catherine Martin: Yes. Absolutely.

Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport And Media: Future of Media Commission Report: Discussion (14 Sep 2022)

Catherine Martin: That report is with me for consideration at the moment. I expect to bring it to Government very shortly. It is imminent. The Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill 2022 is coming before the Dáil next week. That will be followed by Committee Stage a few weeks later. I am aware of the urgency to get the report to the committee. It is with me now and I hope to bring it to my Cabinet...

Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport And Media: Future of Media Commission Report: Discussion (14 Sep 2022)

Catherine Martin: I will say "imminent".

Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport And Media: Future of Media Commission Report: Discussion (14 Sep 2022)

Catherine Martin: Would it help to send the committee the terms of reference for both groups?

Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport And Media: Future of Media Commission Report: Discussion (14 Sep 2022)

Catherine Martin: When I receive the reports in November, and once they are presented to Government, I am sure I can bring them to the committee. Would that help?

Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport And Media: Future of Media Commission Report: Discussion (14 Sep 2022)

Catherine Martin: Absolutely. I can arrange for officials to contact the committee on that.

Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport And Media: Future of Media Commission Report: Discussion (14 Sep 2022)

Catherine Martin: There were one or two questions in there. On the broader context, I believe that the 49 recommendations that have been accepted in principle by Government and the work that has been done on the reform of the TV licence will put us in a good place. The establishment by the Government of the Future of Media Commission was a recognition that something had to change. As the Senator has said,...

Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport And Media: Future of Media Commission Report: Discussion (14 Sep 2022)

Catherine Martin: Like the commission, I am concerned that RTÉ's financial situation needs to be stabilised. The Government is absolutely committed to our national broadcaster and to helping it operate on a more secure financial footing. NewERA and my Department will continue to engage with RTÉ on its financial situation and the commitment to deliver savings and efficiencies under the revised...