Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 February 2022
237. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the timeframe to progress the Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10435/22]
View answerThe Online Safety and Media Regulation (OSMR) Bill will 2022, among other things, provide for the dissolution of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, the establishment of a multi-person Media Commission, including an Online Safety Commissioner, and the establishment of a regulatory framework for online safety, and transpose the revised Audiovisual Media Services Directive.
On 12 January 2022, the Government approved the publication of the OSMR Bill as drafted by the Office of the Attorney General. The Bill was subsequently initiated in Seanad Éireann on 25 January 2022 and completed Second Stage in the Seanad on 22 February 2022. The enactment of the Bill is a Programme for Government commitment and I am working to ensure its swift progress through the Houses of the Oireachtas. I am aiming, with the co-operation of Members from both Houses, to complete all Stages in the Dáil and Seanad before the Summer Recess.
