Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Senator. As I have set out, the Broadcasting and Other Media Regulation Acts 2009 and 2022 set out the regulatory framework for implementation by Coimisiún na Meán in respect of broadcasters and providers of audiovisual on-demand media services, as well as online safety in respect of user-generated content. While there are important statutory duties and code-making powers under this legislation relating to the reporting of news and current affairs, these do not extend to online publications. Therefore, this is a matter for the Department of Justice as well as for the Press Council of Ireland and, in that regard, I will ensure the matters raised here today are communicated to that Department. I will ensure the full content of the points the Senator is making, which are very fairly made, is considered, and I will also ask that the officials in the Department revert to the Senator directly, taking on board the matters she has raised today and giving her the clarification she is seeking in respect of any consideration of future amendments. I thank the Senator again.