Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment for attending. I know that he is busy today and it is very much appreciated.

In recent years, the death knell of local media has been sounded time and time again. However, just as video did not kill the radio star, the demise of newspapers does not have to be a foregone conclusion. Irish newspapers are the voice of the people, their communities and their regions. They are the fourth estate. A fully functioning fourth estate enhances the free and democratic society in which we live. However, good journalism is under threat. Censorship, economic pressure, job insecurity and a lack of political will to meet any of these challenges head on is resulting in an uncertain future for journalism. NewsBrands Ireland and Local Ireland, which represent national and local newspapers respectively, are leading the charge for a seismic change in how the newspaper industry is supported in Ireland. The newspaper industry has invested in innovation to ensure it always remains connected with its readers. However, more needs to be done and the onus for taking action must lie with the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment.

Ireland is currently an outlier within the European Union in respect of government action in support of independent journalism. We have one of the highest percentages of value-added tax, VAT, at 9%. The VAT rate for digital products is 23%, which is ironic when we consider the focus of Government in recent years and the importance of the digital economy. In comparison, the VAT rate on printed newspapers in the United Kingdom is set at 0%. The Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment can use his office to ask the Minister for Finance to reduce the VAT rate to 5% on printed and digital products and, ultimately, reduce it to 0% when EU rules allow him to do so.

Ireland's defamation laws and the two bodies which police them are from a bygone era. They were set up before the advent of online media reporting. While I understand the responsibility for this lies with the Minister for Justice and Equality and his Department and that a single oversight body for all media, including online media, is being considered by the Government, it would be useful to have the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment involved in any reform of these laws.

I attempted to have statements on the newspaper industry taken in the House. However, I was told in no uncertain terms by a number of Departments that newspapers were not under their remit and that, as far as they were concerned, they did not come under the remit of any Department. This needs to change.

Extending the remit of the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment to cover print and online journalism similarly to the way it covers broadcasting and having a dedicated official within the Department to oversee this would be ways in which independent journalism could be supported. As I am sure the Minister is aware, we have recently seen an exodus of fantastic journalists, some of whom have joined Ministers and Departments and are using their skills in other areas of the economy. Poor salaries, no career opportunities, more pressure in the 24-7 news cycle, fewer resources and no support are leading to a brain drain from the industry. Establishing a news publishers media fund that would drive innovation and investment, coupled with a training and support scheme for all journalists, would encourage quality journalism and make the industry a sustainable and enduring one for all involved. We need more than a bursary for local broadcasters; we need to show our support for all journalists and the important role they play in our society. I thank the Minister again for coming to the House.