Derek Keating (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his reply. I am aware of a number of the matters to which he refers. I am aware, for example, of the many positive opportunities to which the Internet gives rise in the context of education and communication and in facilitating people in enhancing relationships through social media. However, I want to focus on the dangers involved. I welcome the establishment of the group to which the Minister of State referred. I also welcome the fact that it is going to report in May. However, I am concerned with regard to the fact that an emergency exists in respect of this matter and I am of the view that an emergency intervention is required. Will the Minister of State comment on that matter?

I accept that there are huge levels of peer pressure involved and the Minister referred to the misuse of alcohol. We all have a responsibility in this regard. The phenomenon under discussion can lead to cyberbullying and the online shaming of people who to not take part. The two students whom I met last week informed me that many other social media and networking options and opportunities are coming down the line. We must be prepared to deal with these also. Yesterday I wrote to the principals of each of the second level schools in my constituency and asked them to provide advice on the best way to respond to the current phenomenon before more deaths or injuries occur or more damage is done. As stated earlier, Facebook and other social networking sites must be regulated. Despite the fact that the Internet content governance advisory group has been put in place and will report in May, I am concerned that - as is often the case - the process will take too long. People are dying and we must respond.

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