I appreciate that but I would support-----

These amendments are important because they relate to the power and function of the commission. We are going to be setting up this new regulator and must consider the guiding principles under which the new regulator will operate. Our big debate is around how we ensure freedom of expression while at the same time protecting the rights of individuals. With the purchase of Twitter by Elon Musk, those issues and the debate about the balancing of those rights has never been more important. We are seeking through these a…

I appreciate the point the Minister made regarding specific constitutional rights but the corollary is true in that, very specifically in this section, regard is had to the rightful liberty of expression, which is something we believe should be upheld. In the same way we talk about the importance of freedom of expression, that must be balanced by the right of an individual to his or her privacy and reputation. This is the big debate around and will be the challenging job for this commission in the exercise of its p…

We will withdraw the amendment while reserving the right to reintroduce.

I move amendment No. 12: In page 18, after line 40, to insert the following: “(ba) in particular, that the interests and safety of children are protected, and this inform all its policies and practices,”.

Amendment No. 16 does what it says on the tin and seeks to insert the term "socio-economic” as part of the categories.

I move amendment No. 16: In page 19, line 8, after “cultural,” to insert “socio-economic,”. The Minister has committed to look at this. It will give effect to the commitment in the programme for Government.

I do not disagree with Senator Ruane. Our amendment No. 25 proposes simply adding the phrase "to digital and media literacy generally,” and is intended to capture the same thing particularly because the relevant paragraph specifies "in relation to matters connected with its functions". We are trying to broaden it to cover areas of digital and media literacy more widely. There is a fear that this provision might be interpreted very narrowly around specific functions of the commission, whereas we see it as having a b…

I move amendment No. 25: In page 19, line 37, after “functions,” to insert “and to digital and media literacy generally,”.

I move amendment No. 27: In page 20, between lines 12 and 13, to insert the following: “(4A) In performing its functions the Commission shall prioritise child safety and shall have regard to policies of the Government and of the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, and to public bodies whose activities are concerned with those matters.”. Amendments Nos. 27 and 28 are quite similar. I will speak to-----

The purpose of amendment No. 27 is, again, simply to require the commission to prioritise child safety. It will ensure the policies of the commission are in line with the policies of the Government, and in particular the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. It will simply strengthen a provision in the same way as the relevant provisions in the Act with regard to climate change. The work of the commission will be in line with the Government's policy on climate change, which we strongly…

I stress the importance of this, which I am sure the Minister realises. We will withdraw the amendment but reserve the right to reintroduce it.

I join colleagues in extending thanks to the Cathaoirleach and the Ceann Comhairle and particularly to all the staff of the Houses for facilitating today's very important address by the President of Ukraine. The solidarity that was shown by the Members of both Houses reflects the solidarity of the people of this country. The scenes we are seeing in Bucha and other parts of Ukraine are just horrific. We need to continue to ensure that those who are responsible will be held to account. I raise the question of higher …

I might send them to the Minister of State, Senator Hackett's farm as well.

I move: "That the Bill be now read a Second Time." I am sharing time with Senator O'Loughlin, who is on her way. Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire and at the start I thank the Minister, his advisers and officials for their help. I thank the parliamentary legal service for its help on the Bill as well as those in the Defence Forces to whom I have spoken about this matter. Our Defence Forces deserve the respect of the Members in these Houses and we take enormous pride in the contribution the Defence Forces make. It is a pr…

That is good.

I thank all Senators who contributed to this discussion because it is an important matter. Regularly when we have had debates on defence matters, the Minister has come into this House. He takes his responsibilities with that portfolio very seriously, as he does with his responsibilities in foreign affairs. For that, we are grateful. Like colleagues, I look forward to those debates on those other very important defence issues. I respectfully disagree with Senator Ó Donnghaile when he said this was the issue we chose…

Next Tuesday. We have a bit of time.

On behalf of the Fianna Fáil group, I welcome and thank Senator Clonan for his very generous words coming into this House, that is, that he wants to work with everyone. I can assure him that there is that spirit of collegiality within this House. Senator Clonan has been a tireless campaigner on disability issues and we want to work with him to ensure that all citizens in this State are treated equally. I appreciate that he is joining two excellent Senators from Trinity College, although I will say that this will no…

Hear, hear.