I thank the Senators for their amendments. Amendment No. 9 is intended to provide the power to an coimisiún to compel any technology company to produce data or reports when questioned. I note this amendment is drafted quite broadly without specifying any framework by which an coimisiún would compel technology companies to produce such reports. I believe the power to compel the provision of information from regulated entities is adequately assigned to an coimisiún through the Bill as published. An coimisiún has the …

I thank the Senators for their amendments. Amendment No. 10 amends section 7(2) of the Broadcasting Act 2009, as amended by section 7 of this Bill, to insert specific reference to the role of an coimisiún in protecting rights to privacy and reputation. The purpose of section 7(2) is to set out the various matters an coimisiún shall seek to ensure in the performance of its functions. I have some concerns regarding a specific reference to the role of an coimisiún in upholding rights to privacy and reputation. These r…

I have agreed to reflect seriously and further on these three amendments.

I thank the Senator. I see the value of adding "inclusive" in there and ensuring broadcast and video-on-demand services are not only open and pluralistic but are open, inclusive and pluralistic. As the Minister with responsibility for culture as well as for media, I have always sought to open up participation in our cultural life to all our citizens in all their diversity. I am therefore happy to accept the amendment.

I thank the Senator for his amendments. Amendment No. 14 to the new section 7(2)(c) of the Broadcasting Act 2009 proposed in section 7 of the Bill deletes a reference to the languages and traditions of the people of the island and Ireland and replaces it with a reference to "the duty not only to satisfy existing demand but to stimulate increased demand for Irish language programming and content, in line with the national aim of restoring the Irish language as a spoken language nationwide". I am not sure that was th…

I thank the Senators for their amendments. I wish to bring to their attention, in terms of issues that I raised about these amendments and the previous group, that section 460 refers to media service rules that enable the media commission to make rules regarding accessibility, including regarding sign language service provision. It also gives effect to the provision of the AV media services to increase accessibility to media services for persons with disabilities. Amendment No. 15 would add linguistic diversity to …

I have given that commitment.

I thank the Senator for tabling amendments Nos. 20 and 21, which would have the effect of requiring the commission to endeavour to ensure that regulators take account of societal and environmental matters. Addressing climate change and environmental degradation is one of the greatest challenges of our time. It will impact not only the media sector, but our entire society. It is important for the commission to consider these matters. That is why section 7(4) of the Broadcasting Act 2009, as inserted by section 7 of …

I thank the Senators for their amendments. Section 7(3)(f) of the Broadcasting Act 2009, as inserted by section 7 of the Bill, is designed to ensure that the commission will play a strong role in encouraging research and in promoting or endorsing education initiatives, including by co-operation for that purpose with education bodies and in promoting public awareness, knowledge and understanding to matters connected to its functions. This section is designed to ensure that an coimisiún and specifically the online sa…

As I said, I understand the intention but my fear, particularly in the context of the phrase "evaluate and approve", was that what is envisaged in the current wording would hugely expand the role of an coimisiún and take it away from its core functions. If the Senator is willing to withdraw the amendment, I am happy to see how she might rework the wording. As already stated, we will engage between with the officials between now and Report Stage. I am happy to arrange that.

I thank Senator Carrigy for tabling amendment No. 26. We are all aware that sportspeople are being targeted from the side of the pitch, on the athletic ground and in the stadium or arena. The problem has been particularly abhorrent in certain sports. I am acutely conscious that social media has made it much easier to target abuse at our sportspeople. That is why it would be important for Coimisiún na Meán to be established as soon as possible to allow it to begin to make binding online safety codes to tackle the pr…

Section 7(2) of the Act, as amended by section 7 of the Bill, states the commission shall ensure the interests are protected, although I do understand the intention of the Senators' amendment. While I will not accept it, I will ask my officials to consult officials in the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth regarding the wording of the proposed amendment, with a view to returning to the matter on Report Stage.

I agree with the Senators that addiction, and in particular gambling addiction, poses a major challenge to our society, not least when it involves young people and children. That is why the establishment of a gambling regulator, focused on public safety and well-being and with the power to regulate gambling advertising on websites and apps, was a commitment in the programme for Government. As Senators will be aware, my colleague, the Minister for Justice, published the general scheme of the gambling regulation Bill…

That letter has to be brought to my attention. I will read it this afternoon when I go back to the Department and will refer back to the Deputy as soon as possible.

I welcome the opportunity to address the Seanad this evening to speak on tourism. Sular bhuail ráig Covid-19 an domhan bhí turasóireacht ar cheann de na hearnálacha ba mhó agus ba thapúla fás sa gheilleagar domhanda agus chuir sí go mór le cúrsaí eacnamaíocha agus sóisialta in go leor tíortha, cathracha agus réigiúin. Tourism has proven to be a vital industry in Ireland that sustains communities and drives regional development in a manner that other sectors cannot match. Apart from its economic value, tourism also …

I thank the Senators for their comments and kind words on the launch of the pilot basic income scheme for the arts today. I will address as many matters as possible in the time given to me. If I do not reach a specific question, my officials will follow up with the relevant Senators. Senators Garvey and Conway asked about the plan for the Cliffs of Moher and I will speak with Fáilte Ireland about that before following up with the Senators. Senator Garvey asked about ferry access and I will liaise with the Minister …

Mar Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán, fáiltím roimh an deis labhairt leis na Seanadóirí inniu i Seanad Éireann le linn Sheachtain na Gaeilge 2022. Nuair a bhímid ag caint ar theangacha, labhraímid ar an máthairtheanga. Is iad ár máithreacha agus ár seanmháithreacha a labhair ár dteanga, an Ghaeilge, linn le cinntiú go mbeadh sí againn inniu le roinnt ar ár leanaí féin agus ar na glúnta atá le teacht. Rinneamar ceiliúradh inné ar Lá Idirnáisiúnta na mBan. Bhí mná an domhain ag ceil…

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Mar Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán, fáiltím roimh an deis labhairt libh anseo inniu i nDáil Éireann, go háirithe agus muid ag cur tús le Seachtain na Gaeilge 2022. Mar léiriú ar thiomantas an Rialtais chun tacú leis an obair atá ar bun maidir le cur chun cinn na Gaeilge, tá sé tábhachtach dúinn féachaint ar an infheistíocht atá á déanamh againn sa teanga. Léiríonn an chistíocht méadaithe atá curtha ar fáil agam don Ghaeilge agus don Ghaeltacht i mbliana, agus é ar fiú €85.6 mill…