Lynn Ruane (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. With regard to the consultation, he stated the intention in respect of the amendments and so on was published in March but the information we received is that, by all accounts, there was no consultation. What form did that consultation take? Was the material just published? What actual engagement took place in terms of consultation?

I refer to two points I made early in my contribution. I know a lot of information came after that. I refer to amendment No. 1 in particular and a statutory period prescribed in law for the length of time that will constitute an electoral period in the context of advertising and so on. My second question related to third parties. What is the position under the Bill as drafted in respect of something to be political but for it not be related to an election or a referendum? That type of advertising seems to be caught up within the legislation if it falls in an electoral period, even if it is not associated with the election or referendum. How can that be addressed? How can we ensure other civil society efforts that may be happening during an electoral period are not impacted?