Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I may have raised a lot of points, but I also asked two questions. Will the Government amend section 43, about which the Tánaiste said nothing, and will it do anything that will affect the referendum? To hear that the Cabinet has been talking about this issue is very interesting, but it does not answer either question. I suggest we take the Bill proposed by Deputy James Lawless and put it through the House at speed in order that it would be in place in time to have a real effect during the referendum campaign. I am sure we could quickly agree to do so across the House. We need a money message from the Minister for Finance and it might break his silence in that area.

By way of the House taking the lead and showing an example, I have a suggestion for all parties and representatives who advertise on Facebook. I do it because it is highly effective and can be targeted. Should we not declare what we are doing in advertising on Facebook or online to start to create a culture of transparency? Other than saying the Cabinet is talking about the issue and resourcing the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner which I welcome and which has been happening for many a year, what specficially will the Government do? Will it put through the Bill proposed by Deputy James Lawless? If not, what tools will the Referendum Commission have to bring about transparency in this area? Will the Tánaiste declare his own advertising on Facebook?

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