Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 March 2021
348. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if her attention has been drawn to the gender disparity data report on Irish radio; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12987/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am strongly supportive of the promotion of gender balance on our broadcasting services. I am familiar with the report on gender disparity on Irish radio and I recently met with the producers of the report. My officials continue to engage with all relevant stakeholders in order to further explore appropriate approaches to the issues raised in the report.
The Broadcasting Act 2009 sets out the statutory framework for the regulation of sound broadcasting services. The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) is the independent regulator for sound broadcasting content in the State. Commercial radio stations are subject to contractual obligations, including public service commitments with the BAI, which are agreed upon during the licensing process. Compliance with such obligations is monitored by the BAI.
The BAI have undertaken a number of positive actions in relation to gender balance on our broadcasting services. In 2018, BAI produced a Gender Action Plan aimed at promoting gender equality in the Irish audiovisual sector though its key pillars: data collection and publication, research, encouraging gender initiatives and accountability. Under BAI’s Sound & Vision Funding Scheme, the assessment of applications has included consideration of the number of women in key creative roles, as a measure to support greater gender equality in the industry. This information is then used as an assessment criterion as part of the BAI’s assessment process.
The Programme for Government provided for the establishment of the Future of Media Commission to consider the future of print, broadcast, and online media in a platform agnostic fashion. The Commission, chaired by Professor Brian MacCraith, recently concluded a public consultation. I am aware that submissions have been made to the consultation by Women on Air, an advocacy group for the representation of women on broadcasting media, and by the Equality Expert Group, a new collective of experts drawn from a variety of fields, public and private, seeking to support equality and diversity in Irish social, economic and cultural life.
