Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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This is why I argued so strongly for the setting up of the regulator. We need an end to the current situation of self-regulation. It is not sufficient as it stands but it is about to change. We will have the online safety codes. The main platforms have bases in Ireland, which means the country of origin principle applies and we can enforce. The applicable penalty is up to €20 million or 10% of turnover and may include criminal proceedings against management. That real power of enforcement is about to be put in place.

Unfortunately, one of those is Telegram, which cannot be regulated by Coimisiún na Meán because not only is it not in Ireland, it is not in the EU, and it is based in Dubai. It is for people to report any content that is inciting hatred to An Garda Síochána. I know the Minister, Deputy McEntee, is also looking to see what can be done on that.