Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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45. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she has met with the Future of Media Commission; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9463/22]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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The Future of Media Commission was established by Government in September 2020 in an acknowledgement of both the importance of a sustainable independent media sector to our democracy and cultural development, and the significant challenges which it faces at present.

The Commission, chaired by Professor Brian McCraith, was tasked with considering the future of print, broadcast, and online media in a platform agnostic fashion; and to consider the potential measures required to ensure that our public service media continues to play its essential role within our society.

I met with the Commission on 29th October 2020, shortly after its establishment. I had a further meeting with Professor MacCraith on 18th February 2021. After extensive engagement with stakeholders and the wider public, the Commission completed its work last Autumn. I met with Professor MacCraith on 16th September 2021, when he gave a presentation on the Commission's key recommendations, following presentation of the Commission’s Report to An Taoiseach and myself. I had a subsequent meeting with him on 6 October 2021.

The Report’s recommendations are far-reaching and will inform media and broadcasting policy in the coming years. The contents of the Report are currently being considered by An Taoiseach, myself and other relevant Ministers, after which it will be brought to Cabinet for further consideration and agreement on the next steps.