Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 May 2022
12. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide an update on the Future of the Media Commission report, including when it will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22117/22]
View answerWe know the important role that an independent and well-functioning media sector plays. I ask the Minister of State for an update on the Future of the Media Commission report, including when it will be published.
The media sector in Ireland, which is a vital element of our democracy and society as a whole, is undergoing fundamental change. These changes are for the most part driven by advances in technology and the manner in which we consume media content. The Government is committed to putting in place a framework that will enable a sustainable future for a vibrant, diverse and independent media sector, encompassing print, audiovisual, radio and online.
A key element in this was the establishment of the Future of Media Commission, which was chaired by Professor Brian MacCraith. I am sure the Deputy appreciates that the commission's task was a complex one with a remit to address the many issues of concern for the entire media industry. As a result, the its report and the wide ranging recommendations it contains has required careful and detailed thought.
However, the consideration of the commission’s report cannot be carried out in isolation but must have regard to a range of other complex and interrelated issues that the Government is addressing in the wider media and digital space. These include the national digital strategy and Ireland’s approach to the implementation of the Digital Services Act, which has been recently agreed at political level in Europe. Another key element of this overall approach is the Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill 2022, which is currently on Committee Stage in the Seanad, and in particular the establishment of a new media regulator, coimisiún na meán.
An coimisiún will provide the regulatory and developmental framework to implement the report of the Future of Media Commission. The commission will comprise an executive chairperson and three additional commissioners, including a broadcasting commissioner and a media development commissioner. Both of these will have a role in ensuring the effective delivery of the report. The detailed consideration of the Future of Media Commission’s report by an Taoiseach, the Minister, Deputy Catherine Martin, and other key Ministers is nearing conclusion and will be brought to the Government for consideration in the coming weeks.
As we progress in our discussions on the future of media in Ireland and see progression of the Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill 2022, which is absolutely vital, it is vitally important that the debate and discussions around this are open and informed. The release of the Future of Media Commission report is a central part of this. I welcome the creation of the Future of Media Commission and I recognise that it was tasked with some challenging, wide-ranging topics to consider, namely, how we can put in place a sustainable framework for the wider media sector. It is vital that we support our media sector in Ireland and encourage diverse opinion and debate and that we support a sector which is ever more inclusive and accessible to all in society. What about recruitment of staff? What is the update on that? That matter has been asked of me recently.
I have a figure to hand. Did the Deputy want to ask about the number of staff in the media commission?
We estimate that approximately 121 personnel will be required for the start-up phase of coimisiún na meán with a number of these to be hired before formal establishment. An additional 33.5 staff are sought for coimisiún na meán to deliver on the recommendations of the Future of Media Commission. In addition and as provided for in the Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill 2022, the staff of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, BAI, which currently number 25 full-time equivalent staff, will transfer to coimisiún na meán on its establishment. In the longer term, it is envisioned that coimisiún na meán will require in excess of 300 staff to fully operationalise its functions, as envisaged in the Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill 2022.
The Minister of State spoke about Carlow and I met a representative of my local radio station last week as Mr. John Purcell was here in Leinster House to visit the Dáil.. One thing that was highlighted was the funding. The Minister of State is aware that local media are vital in rural Ireland. They provide real information in real time and do a great job of fighting wrong information. What are the supports for Carlow and Kilkenny's KCLR station? It is important for the future. Throughout Covid, we all saw how important local radio was to inform and let people know such as elderly people. My mother listened to it every day. She was able to tell me everything that was happening. Even though it covers local radio, it covers many national issues, which is also very important for people today. Funding is of utmost importance. KCLR has been operating for 18 years this week. I wish it the best. I was delighted to be on the station yesterday to wish it well. I hope it will see another 50 years.
I wish KCLR well. We all understand and know the importance of local radio. The Government is putting in place a framework which will enable a sustainable future for a vibrant, diverse and independent media sector to encompass print, audiovisual, radio and online media. The media sector is a vital part of our democracy and our society as a whole that is also undergoing many changes, for the most part driven by advances in technology and the manner in which we consume media content. The report of the Future of Media Commission continues to undergo detailed consideration. The Taoiseach, the Minister, Deputy Catherine Martin, and other Ministers are working through that and hope to bring it to Government for consideration in the coming weeks.
The next few weeks are very important. When the report is published we will have to look at the next steps in terms of actions on its recommendations including a framework. It is very important. We all know now, especially as politicians, that media play a significant role within our own lives and in how we communicate to the public and how our information is received.
We are working from different clocks but the Deputy has already spoken twice.
I thought I could come back in. I will never not take an opportunity.
