Garret Ahearn (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have just come from a briefing in the audiovisual room given by local journalists speaking about journalism in general. They have started a campaign to end the payment of VAT on print and digital newspapers, which I support. We all know they are going through a very difficult time at the moment and need as much support as possible. They are looking for a zero VAT rate to support the good work they do. Today I met Garry Cotter from The Nenagh Guardian. It is possible to see the work they do and the number of people who support that. I am from Clonmel where we have The Nationalist. Its editor, Darren Hassett, along with Eamon Lacey and all the staff are trusted by the public in the articles they write. The newspaper has been there for years and we need to ensure it continues.

While it still has its printed edition, in recent years it has moved into digital. TipperaryLiveis a very popular digital news outlet for people looking for information in Tipperary. The Tipperary Starand TheNationalistdo that together. We need to support them. It is recognised that the work they do is extremely important. Everyone accepts that media are changing, but the local media in places like south Tipperary are really important. They allow people to get information out for small villages and towns. People still go to the local media to get the publicity to promote the Tidy Towns competition, a local event or something for which people want to create a bit of atmosphere. The local media do that job. We need to ensure they are preserved for the years ahead.

A zero VAT rate applies in the UK, Belgium and many other countries. There is no reason we cannot do it and I call on the Government to consider it seriously.