Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator for tabling amendments Nos. 20 and 21, which would have the effect of requiring the commission to endeavour to ensure that regulators take account of societal and environmental matters. Addressing climate change and environmental degradation is one of the greatest challenges of our time. It will impact not only the media sector, but our entire society. It is important for the commission to consider these matters. That is why section 7(4) of the Broadcasting Act 2009, as inserted by section 7 of the Bill, requires the commission to consider "policies of the Government and of the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications in respect of climate change and environmental sustainability." Would amendments Nos. 20 and 21 have a similar effect to the existing provisions? I ask the Senator for more time to reflect on this. I will return to the matter on Report Stage.