Lynn Boylan (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for the response but it does not reassure me very much at all. For example, we cannot say that the use of electronic tagging devices like AirTag definitely apply under the legislation; rather, they may apply under it. I welcome that the Minister, Deputy McEntee, will raise this with her colleague the Minister, Deputy Ryan, but this confirms that the issue has not been on the radar of the Minister for Justice with regard to stalking and the use of these devices. As I have said, if their use has increased by 317% in the past five years in our nearest neighbour, it is more than likely they have increased by the same amount in this jurisdiction as well. I find it concerning that this has not been on the radar of the Minister for Justice but I welcome that she is giving a commitment to reach out to the Minister, Deputy Ryan, to deal with this.

I would urge against using the so-called co-operative approach with these technology companies because we know where that gets us. Apple was warned about the potential for stalking with these devices before it released them onto the market and it is now trying to catch up and put in place measures. Self regulation of these types of companies never works.