Malcolm Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Leas-Chathaoirleach will be aware of the reported decision of the UK Government to unilaterally change parts of the Northern Ireland protocol that was agreed between the UK and the European Union. The Taoiseach and the Minister for Foreign Affairs have been clear that this has been a breach of good faith as well as a breach of international law and that it undermines the trust that is necessary to do business. The EU position has been clear and the role played by Maroš Šefovi has been quite noble. It has always been the case that this country and the EU have said that if there are ways we can improve the operation of the protocol then that can be done through dialogue and engagement but not through the whiplash diplomacy that is being practised by the Johnson Government. Trade must be done on the basis of trust and respect for international law. I am sure the Leader would agree with me that the support of all parties and none in this House is for the position of the Government and the EU that international law must be recognised.

I want to raise the Future of Media Commission report, which was provided to the Government last October. The Leader will know that we have already had extensive debate on the Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill in the absence of the publication of this report, and we know about some of the challenges that are faced by our local media, including newspapers and radio. My colleague, Senator Cassells, has regularly raised this issue. There are also concerns on the part of RTÉ and TG4 on their future models of funding and we continue to have a debate on trusted media, fake news and disinformation. The Government has had this report since last October. Brian Mac Craith and his team did the necessary work and provided the work to the Government. In spite of many requests from this House and from the Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport and Media, it has not been published. I am asking the Leader to schedule a debate on the future of local and national media in Ireland before the recess. We should have that debate whether or not that report is finally published. It is far too important an issue to allow it to go on. The delay has been unacceptable so I ask that we have that debate.

I want to acknowledge that around this time every year a number of new cathaoirligh and mayors are elected in local authorities all around the country. It is an enormous honour to hold one of those roles and I want to pay tribute to those who have carried out that work over the past year and to wish those who are about to don the chains the best of luck for the year ahead. We need a debate on the powers of local government in this country and I ask again that this would be facilitated.