Catherine Martin has been asked to consider a new grant for the sector to get it through the crisis.
A second waiver of the broadcasting levy has also been raised in the Dáil.
While Minister Martin gave no firm commitment she also said it's important local and regional radio is given funding to survive:
"In relation to the levy waiver, the BAI is statutory and independent in its functions including the levy waiver - and you've indicated and I'm keenly aware from my engagement with them and the ongoing engagement with my officials directly with them - that they are in dire straits. And as far as I'm concerned, you know I'm looking at all the options to support them and I've committed to that and that's why I'm having that direct engagement with them"
