Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

In any event, the Labour Bill has a definition in that regard that could be borrowed.

On the issue of extra-territoriality, there is an attempt to address that but it is complex in terms of entities that are licensed abroad. It should be possible to regulate their activities here to some extent. If they seek certification to be in compliance with codes of practice and national minimum digital safety standards, I believe we can deal with issues like that that may not be dealt with here, but if we need to deal with that at a later stage I would be more than happy to work with the Minister on it.

I hope to be in a position to attend the forum on 8 March. Deputy Sherlock made a solid point. There is consensus on the need for a digital safety commissioner in particular among the children's rights and child protection organisations, some of the online safety organisations and, I believe, the Minister, whatever about the Taoiseach. I hope this debate assists him in persuading the Taoiseach on that. There is consensus here. Obviously, it is welcome to have that discussion but I do not believe it is necessarily required for us to continue to progress this Bill. However, I am happy to work with the Minister, other parties' spokespersons and the organisations.

The point made by all Deputies in the debate that there is a desire across parties to deal with this issue in a non-partisan and progressive way is true. I hope that we will be in a position to deliver on that and that by the end of this Dáil term, we will have a digital safety commissioner.

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