Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

Disinformation is primarily being dealt with through the EU code of practice on disinformation, which is linked to the forthcoming digital services Act. Deputy Naughten is aware that this is still under negotiation. On the question of getting it right, this commission must have real teeth, as it does, including powers of investigation, search warrants, fines of up to €20 million or a percentage of turnover, whichever is more. There is also the possibility of criminal liability and the taking down of the platform.

On the timetable, I hope to move as swiftly as possible with this. It will be initiated in the Seanad and I have written to the committee, of which Deputy Munster is a member, to ask for time for the Bill to be considered. The recommendations of the expert advisory group will be taken account of on Committee Stage. I hope that will help speed up the process.

On the EU-wide base, the major issue is the 450 million people that we would represent if the platform is based in Ireland, as we would be the country in charge of that regulation. That is why all eyes are on us.

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