Seanad debates

Monday, 11 July 2022

Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill 2022: Report Stage

 

10:00 am

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

Amendment No. 16 would require the commission to endeavour to ensure that regulatory arrangements support equality, human rights and participation in cultural life. I agree that these should be important principles in guiding the work of the commission and I believe that these principles are set out in various provisions of the Bill as appropriate. Accordingly, I do not accept this amendment.

Regarding amendment No. 17, addressing climate change and environmental degradation are some of the greatest challenges of our time. This will of course impact not only the media sector but our entire society. This Government has taken action through the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021, the adoption of carbon budgets and the comprehensive climate action plan. I agree it is important that an coimisiún should take account of these matters. That is why section 7(4) of the Broadcasting Act 2009, as inserted by section 7 of the Bill, requires the commission to take account of the policies of the Government and the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications as regards climate change and environmental sustainability. Accordingly, I do not accept this amendment.

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