Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

While I am generally in agreement with the views expressed by the Senators who tabled these amendments, I believe many of the issues are already dealt with in the Bill. For example, in regard to amendment No. 1, section 42 requires that the broadcasting authority of Ireland prepare codes governing the standards and practices to be observed by broadcasters. In particular, section 42(2)(g) provides that advertising, teleshopping materials, sponsorship and other forms of commercial promotion employed in any broadcasting service, particularly in advertising and other activities which relate to matters likely to be of interest or indirect interest to children, protects the interests of children having particular regard to the general public health interests of those children.

Furthermore, section 42(4) allows a broadcasting code to be prepared by the authority prohibiting the advertising in a broadcasting service of a particular class of foods or beverages considered by it to be subject to public concern, in particular, in respect of those which contain fat, trans-fatty acids, salts or sugars. While I agree with the sentiments expressed by the Senator I believe the provisions proposed are already provided for and addressed in the Bill.

In regard to amendment No. 23, section 42 requires that the broadcasting authority of Ireland prepare codes governing the standards and practices in general to be observed by broadcasters and that such codes provide that matters involving taste and decency of programme material, in particular in respect to the portrayal of violence and sexual conduct, shall be presented by a broadcaster with due sensitivity to the feelings and convictions of the audience and with due regard to the impact such programming can have on children. Senators will be aware that these provisions mirror the provisions under which the BCI prepared the children's advertising code and the BCI code of programme standards which specifically address the points made.

We have provided in section 42(9) for the continuation of these codes which can, of course, be updated, renewed and amended by the authority. I consider that these provisions encompass and in many ways go beyond what Senators are proposing. Accordingly, I consider the provisions outlined adequately address the concerns raised.

In regard to amendment No. 24, section 42 requires that the broadcasting authority of Ireland prepare codes governing the standards and practices to be observed by broadcasters in regard to children. These provisions mirror provisions under existing legislation.

On amendment No. 30, section 42 requires that the broadcasting authority of Ireland prepare codes governing standards and practices to be observed by broadcasters. Section 42(2)(g) provides that advertising, teleshopping materials, sponsorship and other forms of commercial promotion employed in any broadcasting service, particularly in advertising or other such activities which relate to matters of interest to children, can be regulated. Again, I consider these provisions encompass and go beyond what the Senator is proposing. Accordingly, I consider the provisions outlined already address the concerns raised by the Senator.

On amendment No. 34, section 42 requires that the broadcasting authority of Ireland prepare codes governing standards and practices to be observed by broadcasters and Senators will be aware that these provisions mirror the provisions under which the BCI prepared its code of programme standards. I have provided in section 42(9) for the continuation of these codes.

While I concur with many of the sentiments set out in the amendments, I believe the provisions of the Bill address these concerns. I cannot therefore accept these amendments.