Fórsa has welcomed the establishment of the new Media Commission, which is set to replace the current Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI). Legislation allowing for the establishment of the commission was published last week.

The Commission will be responsible for overseeing updated regulations for broadcasting, video-on-demand services and online safety. It is expected to have in excess of 120 staff on establishment, which is a significant increase on the approximately 40 staff currently employed by the BAI.

Fórsa made a number of submissions to the Oireachtas committee that examined the legislation, where it argued for adequate staffing. The union has raised concerns over the under resourcing of the BAI in the past and has made progress in addressing this in 2021.

Fórsa assistant general secretary Denis Keane said the union will reach an agreement on the safe transfer of staff to the new body.

“We are currently in discussions to ensure that members’ terms and conditions are maintained while in the employment of the BAI. There is a collective agreement in place between the BAI and Fórsa, and legislative provision has been made for the transfer of this agreement to the new Media Commission.

“Fórsa will also be seeking to discuss at an early date a collective agreement for all staff in the new commission,” he said.

The union is currently engaged in discussions with the BAI and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to ensure that momentum is maintained.