Fianna Fáil Senator Malcolm Byrne has called on the Government to immediately publish the Report of the Future of the Media Commission and for an urgent debate on the future of local and national media in Ireland to be held in the Seanad before the Summer recess of the Oireachtas.
The Commission Report has been with Media Minister, Catherine Martin since October.
Speaking in the Seanad today, Senator Byrne commented, “We know some of the challenges that are faced by local media and local newspapers and radio in Ireland. There are also concerns as regards RTE and TG4 as to their future models of funding and we continue to have a debate around trusted media and fake news.”
Senator Byrne added: “In the absence of the publication of an important report by the Future of Media Commission, I’m asking to schedule a debate on local and national media in Ireland before the recess and we will have that debate whether or not that report is finally published.
“Professor Brian MacCraith and his team did the necessary work in compiling this report and have provided the report to the Government.
“It’s far too important an issue to allow it to continue to go on. So, I am asking that we have that debate.”
The leader of the Seanad has agreed to seek such a debate.
