Malcolm Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

These amendments are important because they relate to the power and function of the commission. We are going to be setting up this new regulator and must consider the guiding principles under which the new regulator will operate. Our big debate is around how we ensure freedom of expression while at the same time protecting the rights of individuals. With the purchase of Twitter by Elon Musk, those issues and the debate about the balancing of those rights has never been more important. We are seeking through these amendments to specifically strengthen the balancing of those rights so that when the commission is considering all of its policies and practices, it is guided by those two elements. How do we get the balance right between freedom of expression, which is very important, and protecting an individual's rights? We believe these amendments are strengthening the legislation. We want specific reference to the safety of children and its inclusion at the core of the commission. We are looking to include a specific section around the interests and safety of children that would inform all policy and practices of the commission. This is core. It is about the guiding principles of the commission. We are thinking of two, three and five years' time. When the commission is making a decision, we must consider what its key functions will be. What are the key public policy considerations we must bear in mind in that regard? For those reasons, we believe these amendments strengthen the Bill and we hope the Minister will accept them.