People across the country were outraged when they learned the inside secrets of RTÉ's operation. News of bonus payments and sponsorship perks were followed by acrimonious debate. It was clear that if RTÉ was to survive, decisive action and Government help was required. The Government approved a State bailout of €56 million subject to a number of stringent conditions.

As these Government discussions took place, they were closely observed by Independent Broadcasters of Ireland, IBI, the body that represents all 34 of the country's independent radio stations. These independent broadcasters provide an essential service to communities throughout the country. They are the information source for everything that happens locally and they keep people updated about important issues and events taking place where they live. Local radio is the preferred listening choice in homes throughout Ireland. They are structured in such a way that they bring local happenings into homes on a daily basis. Local radio is the bedrock of local communities.

Despite the vital and irreplaceable role of local radio, its news service is under threat. Local radio now finds itself in a constant battle against unregulated news sources online and on every social media platform available. The ability of local radio stations to be first out with local news and updates is being thwarted by unsolicited, and often ill-informed and unreliable, sources. They have no defence against this activity. They were given a glimmer of light with the recommendations contained in the report of the Future of Media Commission. These recommendations include the introduction of a pilot support scheme, known as the local democracy reporting scheme, which it was hoped would provide financial assistance in the coverage of local and European elections. Will the Taoiseach inform the House why this will not happen? This will negatively impact the scope of local radio to provide detailed, accurate and balanced coverage of the upcoming elections. It will also leave the door open for unregulated keyboard warriors to irresponsibly spread inaccurate and potentially dangerous information. We have recent evidence and examples of how wide-ranging this scope can be.

IBI has put forward a request for interim funding of €2.5 million to support its coverage of the 2024 elections. To assist in its ability to survive, it is also seeking parity in VAT with the print sector, which has had VAT slashed to 0%. In light of the anticipated €30 million media fund allocation, it is seeking an allocation of €5 million per annum specifically for news and current affairs. It is asking for the removal of the broadcasting levy. In essence, it seeks to be recognised and included in any new model of funding. It is vital that future funding be allocated in an equitable and fair manner. A total of 3.3 million people listen to local radio daily and 1,500 jobs are dependent on its survival. The clock is ticking for local radio and the Government would do well to tune into its problems.

I thank the Deputy for raising this very important issue. At a time of misinformation and disinformation, and at a time that is so often amplified online, the importance of quality media and public service broadcasting has never been so valid. That includes RTÉ and national media but also includes local media, including local broadcasters and newspapers, many of which employ a lot of people and many of which are struggling financially at the moment.

The Deputy mentioned the recommendation from the Future of Media Commission to establish a new media fund through which a wider range of outlets and platforms could be supported in the provision of public service content. A total of €6 million is being allocated in the budget, through the appropriations Bill that was approved by the Cabinet today, to establish this fund on an administrative basis. Priority is being given to two projects the Deputy mentioned. One is local democracy reporting and the other is courts reporting. Courts reporting will enable local media to cover what is going on in the District Court in particular in their own localities, and the local democracy reporting scheme will be there to cover what goes on, for example, at council meetings and other important local events. A total of €6 million has been allocated for this to be established next year.

The Minister, Deputy Catherine Martin, and Coimisiún na Meán are developing these schemes. This has to be notified to the European Commission because there may be an issue with state aid and Government subsidies. We do not think this will be a big problem but because it involves a Government subsidy or Government state aid to private business it has to be done. Subject to state aid approval, these two new schemes will be in place in 2024 with a budget of €6 million to back them. We hope to have them in place, if at all possible, before the local and European elections next June.

I thank the Taoiseach for that very positive reply. This is an issue that I and my colleagues in the Regional Group have been putting forward on behalf of our local radio stations across the country. This allocation of funding will enable them to sustain their service, retain experienced, high-quality staff and recruit and train for the future. It will also allow them to further exploit their huge potential. Their message to the Government and to every Member of this House is that broadcasting is not all just about RTÉ. Just like RTÉ, independent radio is an asset that cannot be allowed to fail. Regarding Government policy, I am delighted the Cabinet made this decision today because it will provide relief from the financial burden these local radio stations currently endure.

I know independent broadcasters and Local Ireland have been briefing TDs and Senators from all parties. Indeed, they met a delegation from my own parliamentary party to discuss the situation only in the last two weeks. We are very keen to press ahead with this new funding of €6 million, the local democracy reporting fund and the courts reporting fund. This will be of particular benefit to local radio and local newspapers, which are struggling in the current environment, particularly when advertising revenues have fallen off and moved largely online.

As part of the wider reform of the TV licence fee, I think it is fair to say that any reform that is going to be meaningful, must be one that takes account of the fact that public service broadcasting is not just provided by RTÉ, although I think RTÉ does this very well, by the way, notwithstanding some of the issues it has had in recent months. What must also be taken into account is the fact that public service broadcasting is provided not just by RTÉ but also by local radio, local newspapers and the national independent media.