Lisa Chambers (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Senator Seery Kearney welcomed the budget and said it was good for families. She welcomed the focus on smartphone use among younger people. It was announced in the budget yesterday that schools will be assisted financially to get rid of phones during the school day, thereby allowing children to be children and allowing young people to go to school without being distracted by their phones. I think it is going to take a joint effort across all of the school community - parents and teachers - because I hear from younger people that they would love to have a break from their smartphones but every young person needs to be in the same boat. It is very difficult to be the only one without a phone, so the measure will require a collective effort. It is acknowledged that the impact that smartphones and social media have on the well-being and mental health of young people is a significant public health concern. It is something that the Government is taking very seriously.Senator Seery Kearney also spoke about the shocking case for the Sinn Féin organisation and the references provided to an individual who is under investigation for child sex offences and accessing certain material. It is shocking and there are child protection questions to be answered on behalf of the organisation. It is an incredible story that has come to light due to good journalism. That concludes the Order of Business.