Aidan Farrelly (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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474. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the amount expended in respect of the activities and mission of the local democracy reporting scheme since its inception to date. [37396/25]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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On foot of the recommendations made by the Future of Media Commission, €6m was allocated in Budget 2024 for the development of the Local Democracy and Courts Reporting Schemes on an administrative basis in order to provide support for the provision of public service content by the wider media and journalism sector at local, regional and national levels.

In February 2025, Coimisiún na Meán awarded €5.7m in funding to news outlets across the country, with over 100 new or enhanced journalist roles being supported through the Schemes.

Of this, approximately €3.4m was awarded to successful applicants through the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme, the majority of which were local print and online publications.

In Budget 2025, €10m was allocated to ensure the continuation of these Schemes and the implementation of a Digital Transformation Scheme and a News Reporting Scheme to support the sector.

I believe it is critical to preserve and protect our national, local and regional journalism, which play an essential role in our diverse and thriving media sector and to support their invaluable contribution to our public discourse and our democracy, ensuring that trustworthy sources of news are maintained and supported.