Christopher O'Sullivan (Cork South West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It would be remiss of me not to congratulate Dr. May and to wish her the best of luck in her role. I look forward very much to working with her. The previous chief executive was always very forthcoming in appearing before the committee and I hope that will be the case with her. I am sure she will excel in the role.

On abuse in sport, whether online or in person, we have heard some evidence from referees who described some harrowing experiences they have had. It is difficult to go into detail on this in a five-minute presentation. My question is for whoever wishes to take it, although I acknowledge it is difficult for our guests, as representatives of various sporting bodies, to point the finger at any specific sports. Is there any evidence to suggest the level of abuse and aggravation is higher in certain sports? It is safe to say women, and female politicians in particular, are subject to more online abuse than their male counterparts. Is there any evidence to suggest that is the case in sports?

Any of us who has attended certain sporting events will have witnessed the sideline abuse, the hurler on the ditch, as we call them, and the aggravation. Despicable and disgusting language is often hurled, whether at the coach or the player wearing the jersey who is doing his or her best to represent the team. Is it realistic to think we can curb that aggression and aggravation with measures, strategies or legislation, or is it something sport will just have to live with?

Our guests might touch on the Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill and how they feel that is progressing in addressing the abuse we have all seen aimed at, in some instances, some very high-profile sportspeople by these anonymous trolls and keyboard warriors who level all sorts of disgusting language at these people who are just trying to do their best?