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

I thank the Senator for his amendment. As I set out on Committee Stage, I acknowledge that the use of the term "party political programme" rather than "party political broadcast", may give rise to some interpretative confusion if it is not clarified. In the Bill as initiated, the term "party political programme" was used instead of "party political broadcast" to ensure that the relevant sections covered both broadcasting services and video-on-demand services. Following the Committee Stage debate on the matter, I asked my officials to examine the issue further and to consult the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland. This question will be subject to further examination over the summer with a view to bringing a Committee Stage amendment to the Bill in the Dáil if it is determined that one is required. Accordingly, I cannot accept this amendment today.