Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I share Senator Cassells's view on the importance of our media. It is important at any time but it is particularly important at a time of pandemic that we can rely on factual, reputable media outlets. I am familiar with many of the newspapers in this particular group, particularly the Longford Leader, which is exemplary in terms of its factual reporting, and is anxiously awaited on a weekly basis in so many households across Longford and Westmeath, as is the case in regard to some of the other provincial papers.I extend my sympathy to all the workers who are facing job losses at this time. I fully appreciate how difficult the situation is for those involved and their families in this time of uncertainty. I understand the Iconic Newspapers group has announced a number of proposals, including staff lay-offs and cuts to hours and pay. The Government hopes that these difficult measures may mean that permanent job losses can be avoided as much as possible.

It is normal for businesses to run their own affairs and to respond to challenges in their own way. Government cannot dictate how any business is to be run. Our rule is to ensure there is a framework of legislative protection for workers' rights.

On changing hours and pay, the Terms of Employment (Information) Act 1994 provides that an employer must provide the employee with a written statement of the particulars of the employee's terms of employment. The Act also provides that an employer must notify the employee of any changes in the particulars given in the statement. The Act provides a right of complaint to the Workplace Relations Commission where an employer fails to comply. While an employer may negotiate the terms and conditions of the contract, it is best practice that it should be undertaken in consultation with the affected employee and taking a long-term view of the employment relationship.

Senator Cassells referred to the Future of Media Commission, which was established by the Government in September 2020 to examine the future of media in Ireland. This includes public service broadcasters, commercial broadcasters, print and online media platforms. The commission is examining the challenges faced by public service broadcasters, commercial broadcasters, print and online media. These challenges include sustainable funding sources, changes in audience behaviour and changes in technology. The commission has undertaken a public consultation to which it received more than 750 submissions. It is putting in place number of online events to explore key themes with stakeholders and the public. The commission is due to report within nine months and its report will inform future media policy, including print media.

In the context of the Government's stated commitment to support independent media into the future, it is regrettable that a company such as Iconic Newspapers is making a restructure of this nature in advance, especially considering the range of financial supports the Government has made available to all businesses across various sectors during the pandemic to sustain them and protect the livelihoods of employees who rely on their employers.