Eileen Flynn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise the issue of online abuse to Members of both Houses. We still have not had a discussion about this. There is no solution for protecting Members and protecting people in general from online abuse and from hatred and discrimination. Senator Ruane and I had a conversation about six months ago. In this House and the Lower House Members can talk about and insult people and be racist, and they are doing their job.If Senator Ruane or I, however, stand up and say they are not allowed to say that and they are hurting people, that is us at it again. I am making this contribution because I feel safer when I am walking the streets than I do when I am looking at my mobile phone. That should not be the way, not just for me but for other people in this House who are gay or from other groups in society. We talk about people participating in politics but what is there in place to protect those from minority groups in politics? I am very aware that I am the only Member of this House who is from an ethnic minority group. I cannot do my job where I do not feel safe. It is important to have freedom of speech in this House and the Lower House. I bring that to the attention of the Leader. Can we have a debate on online safety? Legislation to protect people online has gone through the House but it is not strong enough. The hate crime legislation is ready to go; it just needs to be implemented. Is there any update on that legislation?