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

Amendment No. 114 would remove the requirement for media service codes to provide for standards and practice to ensure that audiences are protected from anything harmful or offensive. I cannot accept this amendment as I am of the view that the principles and policies set out in section 46N must reflect the need to protect audiences from harmful or offensive content being broadcast. This is, in part, due to the requirement in the revised directive that member states shall take appropriate measures to ensure that audiovisual media services which may impair or harm the physical, mental or moral development of children are only made available in such a way as to ensure that children will not normally hear or see them.

I understand the point the Senator is making. That is why I am examining this issue more generally in the context of amendments Nos. 92 and 93. They concern a proposal by the Senator to amend similar wording regarding the duties of broadcasters and providers of video on-demand services. My examination of amendments Nos. 92 and 93 will address her concerns.