Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank members of the joint committee for their attendance here this morning. I have already referred to mobile telephone interference.

Yesterday, our committee commenced its hearings on the challenges facing individuals, families and communities from the rise of social media, including the challenges posed by cyber bullying and on-line harassment. We have heard insightful contributions from the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Pat Rabbitte, and representatives of the Office of Internet Safety.

At the outset of yesterday's meeting, I said the committee was commencing this consultation with an open mind. There is no doubt that social media have immense potential for public good and civic engagement. This committee simply wants to ensure that they do so without impacting adversely on people's individual rights.

We look forward to hearing from social media companies today on the safeguards that currently exist both on Facebook and Twitter. In particular, we wish to explore what systems currently exist both for users and non-users of Facebook and Twitter, who feel they have been wronged, to uphold their individual rights through these channels.

Given that social media is changing the way in which many citizens interact with one another, we thought it was important for the committee to familiarise itself with the topic, particularly in light of disquiet, which has been expressed in some quarters, that there are no curbs on the irresponsible use of these channels. We want to explore how possible policies can be put in place to increase awareness of cyber bullying and to enhance accountability for the minority who abuse on-line channels.

As well as hearing the views of the Minister, Deputy Rabbitte, and the office of Internet safety, we will also hear from the National Anti-Bullying Coalition and YouTube. Furthermore, we have invited written submissions via social media channels from interested groups and individuals. At the end of that process we propose to prepare a report for the Houses of the Oireachtas and then make recommendations to the Minister and the Government.

On behalf of the committee, I want to welcome Ms Sinéad McSweeney, director of public policy at Twitter. She is here to advise us about the safeguards that Twitter currently employs for users and non-users of the platform.

I now wish to draw witnesses attention to the fact that, by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to this committee. However, if witnesses are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to particular matters and continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. Witnesses are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given. They are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I also wish to advise witnesses that the opening statements that have been submitted to the committee may be published on the committee's website after this meeting. Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I now invite Ms Sinéad McSweeney, Twitter's Public Policy Director for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, to address the committee.