Garret Ahearn (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I do not normally have this sort of back-up when I speak. I will be brief. I congratulate the Minister of State on his elevation last week, which was well deserved. I look forward to continuing to work with him. I am delighted he will remain within this portfolio, which will be important for the next number of months.

The Minister of State has addressed most of the points and I would only be repeating the matters raised by Senator Crowe. I welcome this important Bill. As the Minister of State said, it is particularly important to Ireland because we have 15 of the 24 largest platforms in Europe. It is important from our perspective. This was agreed when the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act was coming through the Houses. It was spoken about at that time, in particular. As the Minister of State said, it is important that we get this legislation through before the recess. I suspect we will back for Committee and Remaining Stages next week because we must ensure this levy is in place for January 2025. We will play any role we can to support the Minister of State to ensure this will be fast-tracked as quickly as possible. I am sure amendments will be submitted on Committee Stage and we will have further opportunities to talk about the Bill in more detail, which I look forward to. The Fine Gael side of the House will support the Bill.