______________________________________________
For Oral Answer on : 24/03/2022
Question Number(s): 124 Question Reference(s): 15369/22
Department: Foreign Affairs
Asked by: David Stanton T.D.
______________________________________________
QUESTION
To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the details of the Global Ireland Media Challenge Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
REPLY
The Global Ireland Media Challenge Fund is dedicated to facilitating media coverage of global developments impacting on Ireland.
The Fund aims to increase knowledge, understanding and citizen engagement of global issues. By building the capacity of media outlets, the Fund will support the provision of public information about major geo-political developments and the changing nature of Ireland’s role in the world across a range of topics and geographical regions. A desired outcome is that the public will, as a result of increased media engagement and ensuing debate, develop a greater understanding of international issues, including the context in which Ireland’s foreign policy is developed and pursued.
The Terms of reference of the Fund were published in April 2021 and an Expert Advisory Panel was established in July 2021 to provide independent expertise, and to help ensure good governance through informed decision making on all applications. Complete editorial independence is one of the core principles of the Fund.
The Fund, €900k per annum, is administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and is operating for a pilot period of 2 years, with an annual review.
Applications to the fund will remain open through the year and adjudication of submissions will take place on a case by case basis.