Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I understand the intent behind the amendment but I cannot accept the wording because I am cognisant of the possibility of unintended consequences arising. My concern is the amendment could be used by parties to obstruct or delay Coimisiún na Meán or the CCPC in their making of a decision as to whether a suspected contravention with respect to the digital services regulation had occurred and whether to impose a financial sanction. A party could, for example, deliberately fail to acknowledge receipt of properly served documents to avoid attending a hearing aimed at securing specific information from the party to inform the regulators’ decision in respect of a suspected contravention and whether a financial sanction should be imposed. The text in the section is a standard text used in many Bills and I am worried it could have another impact.

I fully understand the intent of the amendment but I am concerned about unintended consequences. I will be happy to look at the matter again if we can tighten up the language before Report Stage, but I cannot accept this amendment.