Gerard Craughwell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Momo issue to which my colleague has just referred relates to children's access to digital technology. The Leader will recall that I introduced a Bill here some time ago attempting to limit children's access to digital technology, particularly in school, without permission. We must step up to the plate here and parents must start taking responsibility. When one hands a mobile telephone device or a digital device to one's child in an unsupervised capacity, one is handing them a lethal weapon. If they do not have access to this mobile technology, they will not be subjected to Momo or anything similar. The research from the school in Kerry that banned mobile phones shows just how children have responded. They have started to make friends and to engage with one another on a different level. There would not be any Momos if we properly controlled access to phones, but Government alone cannot do this. Parents must take responsibility for what they give their children and for the consequences thereof. The Leader will recall that when I first dealt with this issue I mentioned in my contribution the suicide of two twins, 13 year old girls, as a result of being subjected to cyberbullying.

I compliment the Defence Forces on the support they have provided to the families of those members serving in Mali at present. As we know, things have got fairly hot in Mali, and it is excellent the way the Chief of Staff and his press officers have ensured that families are kept up to date and reassured that their loved ones are safe and well.

Finally, I refer to the issue of labour law. We were talking about bullying in the workplace and the like. The Labour Relations Commission was designed to allow people to go to it without legal representation but, alas and alack, most people finish up facing a barrister or two across the table or possibly a solicitor, a barrister and a number of HR experts, unless people can bring in legal advice.Most workers cannot afford legal advice, so the Free Legal Advice Centres, FLAC, must be empowered to provide the advice they need. Either that or we ban legal representation. Personally, I would prefer the latter and let people go in mano a manoto fight their cases. If the employer is going to bring in legal big guns, the employee has to be in the same position. At his leisure, could the Leader arrange for a debate on this matter with the Minister responsible for employment?