Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

That is great. I thank our guests for their presentations. Deputy Connolly spoke about what An Garda Síochána is working on at this time and it sounds as if there is a lack of resources. This should be one of the top priorities going forward. It is a minefield and it is difficult but people being bullied online is one of the most worrying trends we must face. I sometimes see it happening online and it is horrible. I cannot imagine what it is like for young people who are bullied and the mental health issues that result. The bullying can be by means of sexual abuse or mental abuse and it is awful. People have been driven as far as suicide because of it. It must be a priority for An Garda Síochána and I look forward to hearing what the Garda will do in that area. It is something that should be looked at in terms of resources.

I would like to know what language should be used. We can ask young people to be careful about what they are doing online and tell them not to smoke or drink too much but I would love to educate myself and get to the core of how to manage the conversation that must be had with young people. That is a vital conversation and I do not have the expertise. I can tell young people to be careful and to mind themselves or ask them what is going on and try to monitor them but I would love to be more educated. I imagine most parents and grandparents would love to know more so as to try to protect their children and grandchildren. I thank our guests.