Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Government, through the Minister, Deputy Catherine Martin, and her Department has established Coimisiún na Meán. This is something which Deputy Bruton started himself in the Department to look at the harmful element of social media. While we all know how great social media can be, particularly in the context of our own work in engaging with younger people, the harms are clear for us to see also. It is a good idea that we look at the impact of social media and that the ESRI carries out that work. That is something the Minister could or should take on board.

As for the platforms themselves, by establishing Coimisiún na Meán, we have said clearly that the days of self-regulation are over. There should be and is already close engagement between Coimisiún na Meán and the platforms to make sure they have the right mechanisms in place to try to prevent the type of harmful behaviours we see on social media having an impact on young people. A broader picture and piece of work needs to be done. That is certainly something I would support.

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