Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Indeed. As Taoiseach, I was very anxious that those measures would be included in that Bill. I think we can all see, even today and in recent events, the degree to which social media can be distorted with very false information, as we have seen only this week in respect of certain issues arising out of the rioting last Thursday in terms of identification of people and so on. I have just seen clarification statements today. It is quite shocking how such false news can be propagated so quickly. If that happens in the middle of an election, or with a week to go in an election, and disinformation is spread, it could clearly impact the outcome of the election.

I will talk to the Minister. I cannot give the Deputy a direct answer today as to whether those sections have been commenced but I will impress on the Minister the need to commence them as quickly as possible.

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