Lorraine Higgins (Labour) | Oireachtas source

It is plausible to say there is a healthy dose of misogyny online. Senator Healy Eames, like others, pointed out that education campaigns are key. I had to chuckle in the midst of this very serious debate when the Senator referred to Wi-Fi as what sounded like "wiffee". That is a new word for me.

Cyberbullying is pervasive, insidious and omnipresent and its effect should never be underestimated. I have made clear from the outset that this legislation represents a starting point and a means of getting the issue on the agenda. I am delighted it is now in the political consciousness of the Oireachtas. We need to restore decency in our interactions online; if we do not, we are heading into the abyss. It is not I who will decide who is guilty of offences. I will not be the person convicting people of crimes under this Bill. Those decisions will be made by impartial, unbiased and independent judges. With that, I rest my case.