The Taoiseach says independent radio stations have played a key role during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Micheál Martin says they've supported the public health campaign and helped to battle misinformation.
He says they've kept the public well-informed during the crisis.
The Taoiseach also says they've provided a sense of connection to people, during a period of isolation.
Speaking to a virtual audience of station CEOs, managers and staff, he said: “At a time when other countries had grappled with misinformation during the pandemic, the Irish public has remained well informed and constructively engaged.
“Independent Irish radio stations the length and breadth of this country played a role in this national effort, providing your millions of listeners with hard facts and informed debate and discussion."
He was speaking at the virtual AGM of the industry’s training body, Learning Waves.
Learning Waves Project Manager Teresa Hanratty said despite a drop in advertising revenue during the pandemic, "trust in radio as a purveyor of essential information continues to grow".
