Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I have several questions and, as we are very time-limited, I will ask all of them at once and then get the answers. Our understanding is that the Bill will dissolve the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, BAI, and transfer the functions to the new media commission. Can the witnesses clarify whether any current functions of the BAI will be done away with and what additional functions the new media commission will have?

I understand the online safety commissioner will operate as part of the media commission. What sort of resourcing will the office of the online commissioner have? How many staff, for example? Do the witnesses have any estimates for the media commission itself regarding resources and staff numbers, given it will have a much wider remit? How many commissioners will be needed?

My understanding from the briefing documents is that it is recommended that the chair of the media commission will be answerable to the Committee of Public Accounts. Can the witnesses confirm if this will be the case and if the commission will be audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General?

Will the Bill ban the advertising of junk food on these platforms on content that is aimed at children to bring it in line with other regulations regarding children's television?

What other legislation is being drafted by other Departments that will have an impact on this legislation? For example, I think the Department of Justice is looking at hate speech legislation. What impact will this have on this new commission and this legislation?

Is it correct to say the designation of online platforms and services will be decided by the media commission once it is set up? At present, we are not clear exactly what types of platform are covered and regulated under the Bill.