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

Last week, I raised with the Tánaiste the question of whether the Dáil would be able to call on Facebook and Google to provide volumetric data on how much online advertising took place during the recent referendum campaign. In the interim, this issue has remained on the front pages of newspapers and in headlines across the globe. There are examples in others countries where this is a real problem. We can do take action in respect of this matter in a way that will create a good news story. It could show standards and precedent in terms of how transparency in online advertising can work well.

I am pleased that Fianna Fáil has indicated its willingness to support the motion I put forward last weekend. Similarly, I am pleased that Sinn Féin and the Labour Party have agreed to support motion. I am sure it will attract widespread agreement from others in the House. Has the Government been able to consider that suggestion? Will the Government join the call from the rest the House for Facebook and Google to provide such analysis as best they can? By using UCD and the Transparent Referendum Initiative, they could provide it in a safe way that gives us the full story.

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