Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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263. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if her Department has received representations from small or local media outlets that claim they are not receiving a fair share of Government Covid-19 related advertising. [23147/21]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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I am aware of the impact of COVID-19 on the print and radio sectors and have engaged with representative bodies to hear their concerns. Officials in my Department have also received a number of representations on behalf of small or local media outlets relating to COVID-19 advertising.

I recognise the essential role of the local print media sector as the providers of reliable and relevant local news. The importance of a strong and independent media sector has been highlighted in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The production and publication of newspapers, journals and periodicals and the distribution of those publications has been listed as an essential service.

I understand that COVID-19 related advertising by the Department of An Taoiseach and by the HSE has been significant across all media sectors. In addition, the Government has put in place a range of supports for all businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which are available to local media outlets.

I will continue to engage with this important sector, particularly in the context of its wider, long term future, which is a core part of the deliberations of the Future of Media Commission. The Commission is due to report to Government in the coming months and I look forward to its deliberations and recommendations on how we might work to shape a vibrant national and local media sector in Ireland.