Gerard Craughwell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I want to discuss the serious issue of social media. My colleague and the Leader's colleague, Senator Noone, was charged with the responsibility of chairing the all-party Committee on the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution. She did it as a professional and worked hard. It is probably a bit unfair of me to mention her while she is sitting here in the Chamber. She was subjected to the most vile attacks on social media over the past few days, which is outrageous. The woman did nothing but the job she had been given by the Taoiseach. I gather the attacks did not come from Ireland but Massachusetts in America.Is that what we are facing into now, as we enter into what will be a terribly difficult time for this country? Will these outsiders be interfering in Irish social issues?

Let me tell the House that I had the pleasure this week of having two people removed from Twitter for ongoing attacks on me. Can I advise Senator Noone that she do the same. If we see one of our Seanad colleagues being attacked, we should have the courage to stand up for him or her. They are only doing a job. Nobody in Parliament likes having to deal with difficult issues, but like it or lump it, we have to do it. That is what we are paid to do.

I had the pleasure of attending the retirement of Sergeant Major Noel O'Callaghan in Athlone recently. Mr. O'Callaghan is one of our finest soldiers. He has a major issue with the raising and lowering of our national flag. Some time ago the Taoiseach said there was no need to lower the flag. It is a great military ceremony every day to have the flag raised and lowered in a military barracks. Mr. O'Callaghan is correct in what he says, namely, there are national flags in tatters hanging out of buildings all over the country. That is not just disrespectful, it is disgusting to witness.

I ask the Taoiseach to reconsider this and return to raising the flag at sunrise and lowering it at sunset and giving it the respect to which it is entitled.

I wish Members a happy new year.