Results 1,681-1,700 of 2,476 for speaker:Malcolm Byrne

Seanad: Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill 2022: Committee Stage (Resumed) (4 May 2022)

Malcolm Byrne: Yes, but I question why we are allowed to debate the establishment of a youth advisory panel as a sub-committee of the commission but not a specific committee to deal with broadcasting.

Seanad: Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill 2022: Committee Stage (Resumed) (4 May 2022)

Malcolm Byrne: Absolutely.

Seanad: Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill 2022: Committee Stage (Resumed) (4 May 2022)

Malcolm Byrne: All I will say on amendment No. 55 is that in the process of reflection that is going on, I urge that there would also be a requirement in terms of what is brought forward because we specifically want something to deal with broadcasting for fear that it will be lost in the overall area.

Seanad: Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill 2022: Committee Stage (Resumed) (4 May 2022)

Malcolm Byrne: I am afraid I have some problems with a number of these amendments. The Senator touched on some of these herself. I have no problem with the oversight aspect but I believe the Senator is being overly prescriptive. I can foresee circumstances in which it would be required to borrow in dollars or another currency, particularly given the nature of the business the media commission is to be...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Local Authorities (28 Apr 2022)

Malcolm Byrne: Go raibh maith agat, a Chathaoirligh, agus cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit. The Minister of State’s role in ensuring action was taken on foot of the Moorhead report to address the terms of conditions for councillors needs to be acknowledged. The Minister of State provided great leadership in that regard and I know he continues to work closely with the representative...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Local Authorities (28 Apr 2022)

Malcolm Byrne: That was a comprehensive response, and reflects the Minister of State's understanding of and passion for local government. Councillors around the country are full of praise for his work in this area. One issue he did not refer to, however, and I appreciate the time constraints at work, was the general policy concerning the exclusion of councillors from State boards. It is written into...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (28 Apr 2022)

Malcolm Byrne: Along with the Cathaoirleach and the Leader, I welcome the Polish ambassador to our Chamber and recognise the great generosity of the people of Poland to those who are fleeing Putin's war in Ukraine and the contribution of Polish people in Ireland. The ambassador's first trip outside of Dublin following her appointment was to Gorey where we have a very active Polish association. An enormous...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (28 Apr 2022)

Malcolm Byrne: It is not quite a quote from one of my favourite poets and writers, Brendan Behan. We might reflect on this when we get all the brick-bracks thrown at us from those online who constantly attack us: Critics are like eunuchs in a harem; they know how it's done, they've seen it done every day, but they're unable to do it themselves. I hope that when we face unfair criticism, we reflect on...

Seanad: Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill 2022: Committee Stage (Resumed) (28 Apr 2022)

Malcolm Byrne: I will speak to amendment No. 96, which reflects some concerns. It is slightly different from the other amendments, which speak to a determination of time for party political broadcasts. This speaks to the allocation of time for political programmes by public sector broadcasters. Some programmes are particularly balanced and have a Government and an Opposition representative. As the...

Seanad: Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill 2022: Committee Stage (Resumed) (28 Apr 2022)

Malcolm Byrne: I agree with many of the points made by Senator Higgins. Regarding the Minister’s response, this is at the heart of our democracy. I refer to ensuring that all sides of a political argument get aired. It is important that discussion is based on evidence. As the Minister rightly stated, however, the political landscape has changed enormously, and it is important that a broad range...

Seanad: Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill 2022: Committee Stage (Resumed) (28 Apr 2022)

Malcolm Byrne: I will speak to amendment No. 41, which is along similar lines to the other amendments.

Seanad: Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill 2022: Committee Stage (Resumed) (28 Apr 2022)

Malcolm Byrne: Yes, profoundly modest as well. However, it goes a little further in providing that in naming an online safety commissioner, it will not prevent other commissioners from also having responsibility for online safety. The core point in all these amendments - we are coming at this from the same perspective - is that as part of the legislation one of the commissioners should have a very...

Seanad: Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill 2022: Committee Stage (Resumed) (28 Apr 2022)

Malcolm Byrne: I modestly thank Senator Higgins for her praise.

Seanad: Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill 2022: Committee Stage (Resumed) (28 Apr 2022)

Malcolm Byrne: I hope the Minister does feel our love because we do appreciate all of the work she is doing on this. Her assurance is very welcome. I agree with others that there will be issues with regard to the resourcing of the office and so on but explicitly providing for that is very welcome.

Seanad: Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill 2022: Committee Stage (Resumed) (28 Apr 2022)

Malcolm Byrne: These are interesting amendments. It is my view that when the commission is appointed we should be really proud of them because they are going to be among the most powerful regulators in the State as they will oversee this work. The board should reflect diversity. I am always cautious about naming too many groups and trying to match them up. The board needs a wide variety of expertise,...

Seanad: Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill 2022: Committee Stage (Resumed) (28 Apr 2022)

Malcolm Byrne: I move amendment No. 41 In page 22, between lines 25 and 26, to insert the following: “(10) (a) The Minister shall designate one member of the Commission as having primary responsibility for the exercise of the functions of the Commission specified in Part 8A. (b) This member, having primary responsibility for the exercise of the functions of the Commission relating to online...

Seanad: Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill 2022: Committee Stage (Resumed) (28 Apr 2022)

Malcolm Byrne: I move amendment No. 44: In page 24, to delete line 13. This issue is not unique to this legislation, but it is something that is being applied to quite a number of State appointments. It is the exclusion of members of local authorities from effectively applying for these jobs. As the Minister is aware, this is not about a political appointment of a Minister appointing somebody to a...

Seanad: Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill 2022: Committee Stage (Resumed) (28 Apr 2022)

Malcolm Byrne: I appreciate the first part of the Minister’s answer to the effect that this has always been the practice and should, therefore, continue. That does not really answer the question around why we are trying to exclude members of local authorities. It certainly makes sense that where a conflict of interest arises, people should have to step outside the room. It also makes sense where...

Seanad: Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill 2022: Committee Stage (Resumed) (28 Apr 2022)

Malcolm Byrne: I will be moving amendment No. 49 in due course, which is part of this group, but I wish to comment on the previous remarks. I agree in principle with some of the points that are being made. Senator Ruane said that the figures are a little arbitrary but what is important is that there are figures there. The effect of the amendments would be to remove any limits. On gifts, for example, if...

Seanad: Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill 2022: Committee Stage (Resumed) (28 Apr 2022)

Malcolm Byrne: If one got an elite drink, like a rare bottle of wine or something-----