Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

While I am not the line Minister, everyone recognises that in recent times we have seen a level of activity from forces outside of countries which are seeking to influence the results of elections. It provides a challenge to us as to how a political system should manage that. We, of course, value freedom of expression and the right of people to make their views known. However, there are clearly levels of activity that would be a cause of concern. It would appear that Facebook also feels that the level of activity is a cause of concern to it.

Legislation, however, cannot be made on the hoof. This is an area in which the Minister cannot assume powers which the Oireachtas has not given him. We would need to think carefully about the implications of seeking to regulate this area because it goes to the heart of people's right to express themselves. We need to think long, hard and carefully as to how we would address this issue. There is no doubt that as one scans the world stage, one sees activities, whether they be bots or other operations, which are a cause of concern to anyone who wants to see citizens make a discerning decision based on objective and fair information being presented to them, as well as people having the chance to campaign for or against a proposition in a fair way.

While I cannot speak for the Minister, I recognise there is an issue to which the Oireachtas will need to return if it is not regulated at European level, as this is not just an Irish issue.