Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for participating in this meeting. I confirm that I am in the Leinster House complex.

I have a question for Ms Carolan, but I will first summarise my reading of some of her points. If I have got anything wrong, she might correct me. Is she saying that the Bill, as drafted, will not protect our elections and referendums from serious and malign international influence and that substantial changes to that section are necessary? Is she making the point that the commission will need to be able to analyse, assess and act in real time?

I wish to explore this matter further. Ms Carolan stated that the precautionary principle was a good model to follow in this context, in that the commission would be able to act to prevent harm before the end of an election or referendum period. There is limited use in having all of the analysis and deciding we should have done this or that only after external influence has been exerted. What sorts of power should the commission have if it is to act? Should it be able to act outside the electoral period? Should it be able to prohibit spending or certain forms of online activity? Should it be able to stop misinformation campaigns? If the legislation gives it the power to act in real time under the precautionary principle, I presume that there will have to be some definitions around that. The commission could not have unlimited powers. What are Ms Carolan's thoughts on these points?