Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Public service media is critical to a well-functioning democracy, as well as for our cultural development, social cohesion and wellbeing. As such it requires a funding model that provides certainty, is sustainable and importantly protects the independence of media providers.

Successive Governments have failed to address this issue, however, this Government is committed to bringing forward a new funding model no later than the summer. It would not be appropriate for me to disclose the options being considered or the detail of the discussions that are continuing with relevant Cabinet colleagues in advance of Government making its final decision.

The funding model which we decide upon is not only vital for our public service broadcasters, but also for the independent producers and the wider national, local and community broadcasters who are supported through the Sound and Vision Scheme. Any new funding model must also support print and online media outlets delivering public service content. This will be delivered through the new Media Fund, and Coimisiún na Meán is currently developing the first schemes in that regard in respect of local democracy and Courts reporting.

There are a range of options through which this funding can be delivered, and as I have stated previously, and again in response to Parliamentary Questions today, direct Exchequer funding is one option that needs to be considered.

High-level discussions on the options open to Government, including those contained in the report produced by the Technical Working Group on TV licence reform which was established by Government following its consideration of the Future of Media Commission report, are taking place. A final decision will be made after we receive the reports of the two independent expert advisory committees.