Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 20:

In page 19, line 16, to delete “and societal change” and substitute “and societal and environmental matters”.

I am trying to tackle two issues with this. I am open to working with the Minister and the Department on them. I am concerned about the potential inadvertent effect of mentioning technological and societal change. Many relevant technological and societal issues of concern already exist. If we are only giving the commission the remit for regulatory arrangements that take account of technological and societal change, there is a potential gap. I know that is pedantic, but it is a concern that I have and I always seek to ensure language is appropriate. I have suggested the inclusion of "societal and environmental matters". If there is a particular reason for including "societal change", I would be open to that and to have an additional point which relates to technological, societal and environmental matters. I am addressing two matters here.

It is important to take account of technological, societal and environmental matters because of the concerns about the environmental impact and measures in respect of broadcasting and online activity. We know information on that constantly emerges. The training of an algorithm to do something can have the same impact as five or six Boeing plane flights across the Atlantic. We are talking, therefore, about digital activities leaving a major environmental footprint. That is not to say that we should turn the computers off. It is increasingly clear, however, that we need nuance in the context of how we address this matter. It is not that beloved family photographs all have to go by the wayside. It is a question of whether Amazon Web Services, cryptocurrency mining or whatever else are the best use of our energy resources at this crucial time. We need to look at the building blocks. This does not tackle everything relating to data and the environment, but it addresses online media actors who are significant players in that area. There would potentially be scope in the regulatory remit to address the environmental impact.

Perhaps this can be dealt with elsewhere. Section 7(3)(e) states contains the phrase "promote and encourage environmental sustainability in the policies and practices of providers of broadcasting services". That is one of the goals. Does the commission have the regulatory powers that it needs? Is this reference sufficient? Does it need to be copper-fastened in section 7(2)(d)? The Minister has spoken on these issues. If she keeps the term "societal change", I would add that of "and environmental considerations". I am trying to ensure that we are not behind the curve on this, because it will soon become pressing.