Micheál Carrigy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the witnesses. What they are saying, from what I have picked up from the conversation so far, is really to put the brakes on. As I read through both Mr. Herrick's and Dr. McIntyre's introductions, I picked out the words "overly vague", "confined", "concerned", "freedom of expression" etc. There are a significant number of queries and issues with the Bill, from what I take from what they are saying. They are correct we clearly need to define what is legal and illegal, especially when it comes to bullying. I think we highlighted that in a previous committee meeting. I acknowledge that defining something across the board is not the correct way. What a 13-year-old or a 14-year-old considers harmful might not be harmful to someone in my age bracket. Perhaps that needs to be taken into context. I highlighted one line in the Digital Rights Ireland statement, "it makes little sense to rush through the domestic provisions at this time". Clearly, what the witnesses are saying is to put the brakes on, look at this again and redefine a lot of the things in the Bill.

However, I have to take up what Senator Byrne said. Online harm and bullying is a serious issue that needs to be dealt with immediately. I would like the witnesses to expand on the idea of the social media council. Maybe they could touch on the points I have made. I think I am correct in saying that what they are calling for is fuller consultation and for the brakes to be put on this. However, I firmly believe we cannot hold back. This needs to be dealt with immediately.