Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The witnesses are very welcome. I thank them for their presentations, which I have read. My mind is going in several directions regarding the questions I should ask. It is a very helpful process for us because there is no simple solution. I acknowledge the points made by the witnesses, especially those from the ICCL, regarding the balancing of rights and the importance of the Garda, the State and the Oireachtas in addition to the platforms. I am aware that only some of the bigger platforms have appeared before the committee. The witnesses have pointed out that there are other platforms about which we should be equally worried. The bigger companies reassured the committee of their interest in this area, as they do, in order to make profit, as they are entitled to do. However, they referred to the e-commerce directive but did not freely acknowledge it is not up to scratch or fit for purpose. We know it is not and that there is a process under way to update it.

The committee asked the companies about their self-regulation. They were quite confident that their self-regulation was robust. What jumps out at me are the comments of the representatives of the ICCL and the NABRRC regarding more accountability. The NABRRC submission it states: "Commissioning research into the evaluation of effectiveness of company self-regulatory measures should precede and inform any further steps about regulation." Similarly, the ICCL is asking for companies to be more open in supplying information. It seems to me that we are looking at a problem that we are all anecdotally aware is very serious, but we do not have the information to inform us on the proper steps to take. There is a danger that we will go down the wrong route. I will revert to Ms Blackwell. My heart agrees with verification but I do not think it is the solution because it does not strike a balance with open and free expression. Is Professor O'Higgins Norman aware whether that research been done? What is the position in that regard?