Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
2041. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the measures he plans to take to ensure the viability of a strong local and regional newspaper sector here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32945/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn recognition of the importance of a free and independent press, the print media sector is not subject to any sector specific regulation by the State. Rather, the Press Council of Ireland and the Office of the Press Ombudsman were established by industry to safeguard and promote professional and ethical standards in Irish newspapers and magazines. These bodies have been formally recognised under s. 44 of the Defamation Act 2009, which falls under the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality.
My role as Minister in respect of the print media relates solely to the administration of the media mergers regime, which was created as a result of amendments made to the Competition Act 2002 by the Competition & Consumer Protection Act 2014. All media mergers must be notified to me as Minister and I must make a determination whether or not the proposed media merger may proceed based on an assessment of its impact on the plurality of media in the State.
Therefore while I have no specific role in relation to the funding of local and regional print media, I acknowledge the challenges faced by newspapers, especially local and regional newspapers, and am conscious of the value of the local press in ensuring that quality journalism is available throughout the country.
