Michael Collins (Cork South-West, Independent Ireland Party) | Oireachtas source

I want to address an issue that is becoming increasingly urgent, namely the safety of our children online. On radio today, Galway West Independent Ireland Councillor Noel Thomas called on the Government to examine the Australian model. This is a conversation we can no longer avoid. Australia has produced the online safety assurance Bill 2025, which sets clear and enforceable standards, bans social media access for those under 16 unless platforms can verify age, requires robust age verification tools and gives regulators real powers to audit and sanction non-compliant companies.

This is not about being anti-technology. It is about protecting children from harmful content, bullying and addictive algorithms. Parents in Ireland are fighting a losing battle against platforms designed to keep young people hooked. We already have age limits for alcohol, gambling and vaping. Why should social media, with its proven risks to mental health, be any different?

I call on the Government to initiate a full national consultation with parents, schools and youth mental health experts to review international best practice and legislate so the burden of proof falls on platforms and not parents. Ireland should be a leader in online child safety. Australia has shown us a roadmap. The question now is whether we are prepared to act. The problem in this country is that we worry about our children, and we have every right to do so, but the adults have as big a problem with phones as children do.

I have seen the scandalous carry on with AI by some people. They are addicted to AI and use it to send out sinister letters and nonsensical rubbish. They think the other side is stupid and foolish and cannot read through it. It is outrageous. We have continued to allow AI, Facebook and everyone to do what they want. We are afraid to take them on. There should be severe fines for adults who are abusing technology. By God, they are abusing it. I know plenty of them that are at it. They are nonsensical. The Government has to stand up to these bully type people and win the war against this carry on.

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