Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I join other colleagues in condemning the attack on the war memorial last night. It is obvious from the use of red paint that it was not a random act. It was premeditated and deliberate. Given that the monument in question commemorates thousands of Irish people from both sides of the political divide who lost their lives, last night's act says more about those who carried it out than it does about the offence that they assume the statue is causing.

I echo the call made by Senator Craughwell yesterday for a debate on the responsible use of social media. The irresponsible use of social media is having a detrimental effect on people's mental health. This feeds into what Senator Butler has spoken about. I would like to mention the case of a young man in the entertainment business who is a native of County Cavan. Attacks on social media are having horrendous effects on his attempts to establish himself in the entertainment field, as well as on his mental health and that of his family. I submitted a request for a Commencement debate on this issue to the Cathaoirleach's office this morning. I hope the Cathaoirleach will be able to see fit to allow such a debate to take place some day next week. I would like the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment to come to the House to discuss this issue. I ask the Acting Leader to invite the Minister, Deputy Bruton, to come to the House for a wider debate on the responsible use of social media in this country. I know it is not easy, but all necessary steps must be taken to curtail this type of abuse.