Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

First, we need to acknowledge the unusual and wonderful experience we had this morning in the Dáil Chamber, where we had a joint sitting of the Houses of the Oireachtas. I pay compliment to our Cathaoirleach who attended and the Ceann Comhairle. It was an emotional occasion that captured the Ireland’s feeling about Ukrainians and their coming to Ireland and the need for us to do more. As a society and a people, we need to do what we can to help Ukrainians in their hour of need.

I compliment the President of Ukraine on his absolutely wonderful address. It was powerful and emotional. Given the pressure that man is under, it is simply amazing he found time to give such a wonderful performance of a speech. He captured the hearts and souls of the Irish people with his performance. If one listens to social media or anyone else, it was a wonderful display by a man under considerable pressure. It is important this House acknowledges that and the wonderful contribution. We are behind the Ukrainian people when it comes to the darkest day of their existence.

With regard to other, more mundane matters, we need to broaden our debate about social media platforms and the control they have in our society. We have considerable issues when it comes to Facebook, Twitter and other social media platforms and how regulated or unregulated they are.

I speak about young children in particular and the need for so-called time on the tablet. It is becoming an epidemic in many places. Many kids get up in the morning and the first thing they want is technology. They want to know where the iPad or phone is. We are all probably in that circle in our households but a debate is required about how we will make sure, going forward, our kids can interact with each other and with society rather than just interacting on social media platforms. As children get older, there is the issue of how those social media platforms can be policed to make sure children are not being groomed and other unfortunate issues are not happening.It is important we have a good, honest debate about how we are going to teach our children and society about the hazards of social media and the so-called technology. It has wonderful benefits. I spoke last week about dyslexia services; technology is part of that circle making sure people can read, write and develop appropriate learning skills. There is an issue about how much screen time is appropriate, however.