Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

I am pleased to return to the Seanad to discuss the Bill which was initiated here. I will deal with each grouping of amendments. My contribution will be long and detailed and I ask Members to bear with me.

Group 1 amendments relate principally to the core definitions in section 2 of the Bill. Amendment No. 1 deals with the definition of broadcasting service to bring it into line with the concepts set out in the new audiovisual media services directive. This directive, which must be fully transposed by December 2009, draws a distinction between traditional linear broadcasting services and newer, video on demand or non-linear services. The amendment makes it clear that broadcasting services, as well as having many other characteristics, are only those of a linear nature and non-linear audio services are excluded from the definition of broadcasting services within the Bill. The regime for non-linear services will be set out when the directive is transposed by regulation next year.

Amendments Nos. 4, 106, 107 and 121 clarify that IPTV is a network on which services carried are deemed to be broadcasting services. Amendment No. 6 broadens the definition of media literacy to reflect the reality that media can include that created by an individual or community as well as the more traditional creations of media. Amendments Nos 7, 8, 197 and 198 bring the spelling of "radio" into its Irish format for the purposes of identifying Raidió Teilifís Éireann. Amendment No. 9 inserts in section 2 a definition of the word "sectoral", which is used in a number of sections in the Bill.