Niall Ó Donnghaile (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I apologise to the Minister for missing her contribution on this. The amendment is clear in what it is trying to do. It is accepted in the Bill that repeated viewing of harmful content carries a risk of harm or being desensitised and of normalising harmful content. This risk is particularly relevant when it concerns staff who service providers and big tech. They are relied on to review content to support moderation and adherence to online safety codes. Concern was expressed by witnesses during pre-legislative scrutiny for these staff and their ability to fulfil their duties. We have all seen the stories in the press of the working conditions faced by content moderators and the toll this work take on human beings. There are developed best practice guidelines for staff of online platforms based on supports required and good work practices that should be utilised. We want to see workers' rights included in the remit of coimisiún na meán and its work. We want to ensure social media companies play their role and, therefore, we want to include workers' protections and rights in all online safety code considerations. This is the rationale for the amendment as we see it.