Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator for raising this issue, which is very topical at the moment. I was watching part of the committee meeting last night while I was in my office. I acknowledge the fundamental challenges facing the sector and reiterate the Government's commitment to supporting the provision of public sector content by the wider media sector at local, regional and national levels. In particular, print and radio play a key role in Irish society in helping to inform public opinion and combat disinformation.

The television and radio sector continues to be supported on an ongoing basis through the sound and vision scheme, as administered by Coimisiún na Meán. In addition, support for the sustainability of the print sector has been provided through the reduction on VAT on newspapers from 9% to 0% since the start of 2023. I will certainly take on board the comments the Senator made about the difficulties with the scheme with regard to new reporting going forward. Many decisions are going to be made imminently and what we need at this stage is certainty going forward.