Grace O'Sullivan (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I will briefly address supports for the local media in advance of budget 2019 next week. There was a briefing with some 40 representatives of Ireland's local and regional newspapers and other media here in Leinster House two weeks ago. The AV room, in which the event was held, was full to the rafters.The media outlined the severe pressures faced by their industry in a digital news age.

We know that an informed electorate is a prerequisite for democracy. The demise of local and national media would do untold damage to that in an age of fake news, digital manipulation and partisan silos online. As two headlines in the Journalism Matters campaign state: "Strong, Independent Journalism Matters" and "Irish journalism is at a crossroads.” In my own county of Waterford, local newspapers such as the Waterford News and Star, The Munster Express, The Waterford Mail, Dungarvan Leader, Dungarvan Observer and Waterford Todaystill play an integral role in shaping discussions on local issues, highlighting problems and successes and fostering a sense of regional cohesion and community. While online news has threatened old models, it is not as if the newspapers and radio stations have stood still. They have innovated and moved online while still providing news and analysis, despite greater competition. Other EU countries offer considerable supports such as differential VAT rates, indirect subsidies and even direct subsidies to help support a vibrant, competitive and diverse local media environment. With this in mind, I ask the Acting Leader whether the Government has given consideration to the five asks made by NewsBrands Ireland and Local Ireland, and which of them might be featured in next week's budget.