Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for engaging on this important issue. People from right across Ireland have raised this issue with me. Senators Sherlock, Pauline O'Reilly and other Senators also have raised this matter with the Minister. I am grateful for this amendment as it sets the ground for us to move forward. The amendment is important given the significant public health implications and the poor practices employed when marketing infant milk, follow-on milk and growing-up or toddler milk. I also welcome that as this matter has been addressed in a couple of sections, it does not relate solely to the media codes but also to the potential for online harm.

The Bill, as it stands, ensures provision may be made for prohibition and amendment No. 89 seeks to insert the provision “or restrict, in accordance with law”. As the legislation is in itself law, I seek clarity that an coimisiún has been provided here with the direct power to prohibit and that a new law will not be required for it to be able to prohibit and restrict, in accordance with law. I seek clarity because I do not want us to move away from the direct power of prohibition mentioned here. I acknowledge the coimisiún in any case will seek public health advice and so forth in respect of this issue. I thank the Minister for taking on board the argument that we made and that she shares our intent to ensure this area is properly addressed. I would not want us to insert inadvertently an additional obstacle and perhaps such concerns can be teased out in the Dáil. Again, this law can provide for this and the commission will, as is stated in this section, consider general public health interests and consult the Department of Health in that regard.