Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome this set of amendments. There are two issues here, namely, the media literacy issue and the question of the wider reach that is being proposed. When we look at it solely through the educational lens, we are perhaps thinking of the educational skills space but we are leaving aside the fact that this online media permeates every single aspect of society and that everybody needs to be skilled in it at every age, regardless of whether this is an area they are going to work in or be skilled in or whether they are in any kind of formal or informal education system. Specifying the engagement with community, local and representative bodies is really important in terms of training, but especially the community level engagement.

I have emphasised this repeatedly but it is important to note that even the 2019 EU assessment on digital skills pointed out that Ireland has very low levels of digital literacy. More than 40% of the population lack basic digital skills. The media literacy point is really important but it is layered on a requirement for a lot more investment in digital literacy and empowerment. Quite a lot of people who engage actively in the digital space, indirectly and through others, lack those independent skills of engagement. This is important. Media literacy is a useful way to do it because it covers the questions of digital literacy and the question of critical thinking and the capacity to critically analyse the kinds of online media that people are being presented with having targeted at them. I commend that.

I am glad that the Minister took on board the sensible amendments from other colleagues in the House on sporting bodies, which can have a very constructive and positive role. Some of those initiatives were mentioned by Senator Carrigy. In addition, Bohemians Football Club, for example, has had important and useful initiatives around inclusion and the environment. There is a wealth of examples we could give from around the country. It gives the space for sporting organisations to play a positive role. I welcome these amendments.