Malcolm Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I will speak to amendment No. 128. This is not entirely clear to me. The Bill states that provision may be made for the purpose that may prohibit the inclusion in programmes of commercial communications related to trans-fats, fats, salts and sugars. If I am reading the amendment correctly, it proposes changing this so it shall be restricted. I am not sure about this. I might get guidance on it. I am quite happy with the idea that the Bill may prohibit it. The language in the Bill is arguably stronger and I am quite supportive of it. My particular concern is with regard to product placement, particularly sugar and trans-fat foods targeted at children. It comes back to some of the earlier points. We need to consider that while we are looking at licensed broadcasters and extensive restrictions on them, they are competing against online platforms. We must ensure it is a level playing field. There have been a lot of codes in place and I would like to see restrictions on sugary foods.There should not be targeted advertising based on children but the proposal in the amendment to delete “may” and substitute “shall” does not make sense.