Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I would never have taken down any of the Minister of State's notices. Now such messages are being sent via social media. Approximately six months ago, I was in UCD to speak to a group of young people. While there I took the opportunity to go and see the notice boards in the arts block. While there were posters about events pinned to them, there were no messages posted. Social media is a phenomenon not of our generation. Nevertheless, we engage with it. As politicians we want to avail of every opportunity to get our message across, be that via social media, print media, snail mail and so on. However, with social media comes problems. All of the people with whom Deputies Carey, McNamara and I met spoke of the challenges they face in terms of mental health and suicide, and cyberbullying via social media. It was an amazing experience to hear people of between 15 years and 17 years of age speak about what they perceived as challenges. I am sure Senator Higgins will be very happy to hear that I took great pleasure in informing them that the Seanad would be debating this issue between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. this evening. I then explained the detail of the Bill and how the legislative process works, including that if the Government does not oppose the Bill on Second Stage it moves to Committee Stage where the real work is done.

I call on those who have concerns about this legislation to allow it progress to Committee Stage where their concerns can be addressed. This is an example of where the Seanad can make a difference. The Seanad has proven itself to be a formidable force in many areas, one such area being direct provision, which Senators Ó Clochartaigh, van Turnhout and others, including myself, have been battling for some time to have addressed. I note a report on that matter has been commissioned. It is hoped the outcome will be good things for those who have suffered in this area.

Like Senator Higgins I, too, had a problem with social media last November, although not to the same degree as her. As public figures, we will all be subject to a battering on social media at some stage. However, this becomes a problem when it descends into criminality. This legislation will be a first step towards ensuring the law will prevail not only for social media but all media.