Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Taoiseach for his response and his positive intentions to take action in this area. We have the example of how this is addressed in other jurisdictions, such as Australia and New Zealand. Australia has an e-safety commissioner. We clearly need to move to get Deputy Howlin’s Bill passed as soon as possible.

Many people also feel that even the mightiest online platforms, many of which are based just down the road from us, should be held to account directly as publishers when abusive material victimises innocent citizens. That debate has gone on for 20 years since President Clinton's time. They are, in effect, responsible for material that appears.

The Taoiseach mentioned training for gardaí. One of the other issues that has emerged is the ubiquitous nature of CCTV. We now have facial recognition where operators need to be carefully trained and vetted.

Most of all today, of course, we remember Dara and her valuable contribution to Irish life. I thank the Taoiseach for his comments on that. We also remember the shocking circumstances of the widespread and awful publication of images of her in distress. Her mother, Aileen, and her siblings - her father sadly passed away a few months ago - rightly demand accountability and justice.

Further to the Taoiseach's comments, I hope the GSOC report will be made available to the solicitor and family and that we will be able to hear what action Commissioner Harris will take. Given that an offence was committed, perhaps there will be action by the DPP and I will welcome the response of the Minister, Deputy Flanagan, on that.

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