Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent)
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Yes, I am speaking from my office. I thank the witnesses. This has been a really interesting discussion. I will follow up on one of the points that was very well made by Senator O'Reilly on coverage.

It strikes me that when discussing the actions, there is, of course, the question of covering those actions, but there is also the aspect of incorporating the science and properly reflecting it, including in regard to the carbon budget and the factual implications and measures associated with it. For example, there might be a project that will cost €20 million. There will be people saying they like it and others saying they do not like it, but the cost of €20 million is put down as a fact. Similarly, the carbon impacts, which are measurable in many cases and certainly should be measured in the case of national development plan projects and others, are facts that should be placed into the discussion. That is not in the space of opinion or anything like that; it is part of the facts. We should treat this aspect much as we would treat the financial information. The carbon impact and the implications of carbon budgets are factual considerations that should be included in discussions. That is one way of carrying the science and factual information into specific discussions as well as looking in the general sense at how we can act on climate change.

I have a number of specific questions about the various schemes. Reference was made to the sound and vision scheme, which has led to some very good work, and the climate action round. What are the witnesses' thoughts on the new European works scheme that is coming through under the Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill 2022, which has just completed its journey through the Oireachtas? It is potentially a very exciting scheme. The provision relating to the European works scheme refers to "environmental sustainability, biodiversity, and climate change". I acknowledge that the Minister, Deputy Catherine Martin, accepted my amendment to include biodiversity in that provision alongside climate change and environmental sustainability. They are concerns that sit alongside each other for many citizens in Ireland. Environmental sustainability, biodiversity and climate change are directly referenced in the provision. Will the witnesses comment on the potential of the European works scheme? Will they elaborate on whether some of the ways in which issues have been reflected and prioritised under that scheme could be translated into other schemes? Will they also comment on the importance of ensuring the scheme is properly funded and that the many platforms that are broadcasting in Ireland contribute to a fund that allows for the kind of quality content that reflects and addresses things like biodiversity and the climate crisis? I am interested in their thoughts on those points.

I am also interested in the witnesses' thoughts on the media codes set out in the Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill and how they might intersect with what the BAI does into the future. They will not just cut across advertising but also, potentially, other aspects of the media code. I might have a follow-up question after our guests have responded.