Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Before I bring in members, I thank the Minister for his response. I know the issue was raised with regard to other jurisdictions. This committee will visit Strasbourg to meet the European Commissioner for Digital Economy and Society. That is a very important strand of this. The best law could be put in place here but if online content that needs to be moderated originates in another jurisdiction, it is very hard to deal with that so we want to work at a pan-European level on that as well and see if we can progress that area. With regard to looking at best practice across the world, the Minister made reference to Australia. I heard an interview with the Australian digital safety commissioner. Her view was that she has the power to fine, so the stick and carrot are used but she never really needs to use the stick and fine. It is engagement with these social media platforms that encourages them to take down content that is abusive or illegal. I assume the Commissioner would work in tandem with the law enforcement agency in that jurisdiction. That is why we need to work at a European level as well. I will bring Deputy Dooley and then Deputy Stanley.