There is all the more reason for concern if we do not have clear guidance because the audiovisual directive does not deal with private messaging services. At one point it was envisaged that the Digital Services Act would deal with such services. If it does not, I worry that we will end up leading the way if we are in a position where interpersonal messaging services are regulated under this Act without clear EU guidance. I would be all the more intent on pressing this amendment in that context. I appreciate the eng…

In that context I think it would require-----

That is a very significant area and requires a lot more scrutiny.

This is an area that requires-----

Okay.

I thank the Minister for taking our recommendations on board. This will improve the transparency of the operation of the commission.

I welcome this amendment, although I still have some concerns about the powers and operation of authorised officers. I have not submitted any Report Stage amendments in that regard but this is an area that could merit further revision in the Dáil. Transparency around the rules for the conduct of authorised officers is a very important step forward and I thank the Minister for that.

I move amendment No. 128: In page 117, between lines 23 and 24, to insert the following: “(aa) where the content appears to the Commission to fall within the category of age-inappropriate online content defined in section 139D, requiring the provider to restrict access to the content to persons who have attained the age of 18 years, or”.

I think this is the last grouping we will discuss so I want to say I am deeply appreciative of the genuine and sincere engagement of the Minister and her officials. It was thoughtful and constructive. We have met for many, many hours in addition to the many, many hours of debate in the Chamber. I believe the Bill has been strengthened by that. I want to acknowledge the Minister's willingness. It is something that other Ministers could benefit from and learn from. You can engage and strengthen legislation. There wer…

Again, I thank the Minister. I will move and withdraw the different amendments in due course.

I move amendment No. 135: In page 132, between lines 17 and 18, to insert the following: “(aa) support cultural and social participation and access to programming for users of the Irish Language and Irish Sign Language,”.

I am a little disappointed. We had a good discussion with the officials and I hoped that the Government would table amendments on Report Stage. There had been some recognition that valid issues and concerns were raised. I always prefer if the Government takes matters on board and brings forward its own proposals on issues. Since I do not see Government amendments, I hope it will take on board some or all of the constructive Opposition amendments that have been tabled. It has been highlighted that the interpersonal …

I move amendment No. 2: In page 12, between lines 22 and 23, to insert the following: “(5B) A matter concerning interpersonal grievances exclusively affecting the reporting person, as described in subsection (5A), shall constitute a relevant wrongdoing where such interpersonal grievances arise out of the penalisation of a reporting person by virtue of them having made a protected disclosure.”,”.

I move amendment No. 3: In page 12, between lines 22 and 23, to insert the following: “(5B) The Minister shall, within 9 months of the passing of this Act, lay draft guidelines clarifying that engagement in a process relating to an interpersonal grievance does not preclude a person from making a protected disclosure.”,”.

I move amendment No. 4: In page 12, between lines 22 and 23, to insert the following: “(5B) For the avoidance of doubt an interpersonal grievance shall not preclude a person from making a protected disclosure under any relevant section of this Act.”,”.

I move amendment No. 5: In page 12, to delete lines 28 to 33 and substitute the following: “ “5A. (1) Without prejudice to the provisions of any other enactment, a person who receives an anonymous report made in the manner specified in section 6 shall accept such an anonymous report and if he or she considers it appropriate to do so, follow-up on a matter which is the subject of that anonymous report.”.

In their report for the committee, the National University of Ireland, Galway, NUIG, experts expressed the view that granting a right not to accept anonymous disclosures would create a danger whereby an employer could justify not acting in cases where serious and dangerous wrongdoing has been reported because the report was anonymous. If, for example, there were to be an anonymous report of the release of toxic materials or of very significant financial wrongdoing, the employer, under the legislation, would not be …

As the Minister has described the situation, Ireland has the option of making sure that anonymous disclosures are accepted. It is regrettable that we are choosing to say that they do not have to be accepted. On the question of vexatious complaints, there are already filters to say that it is accepted. There is a question as to whether it needs to be followed up. The person does so if there is merit in doing so. There are many filters that allow for that already. The issue of vexatious complaints is not really a con…

Yes.

Vótáil.