Lorraine Clifford-Lee (Fianna Fail)

I commend Senator O'Loughlin on introducing this Bill. It is essential in this day and age that we have effective laws to combat very serious crimes. Previous speakers have outlined the emotional, physical and financial risks of catfishing. However, emotional damage is also done through catfishing. I have spoken to some people who were catfished and they pointed to the loss of trust in people and the loss of trust in doing anything online. Our lives are becoming increasingly online. When dealing with a bank or a shop we have bought from, we are communicating online. People who have been catfished feel that their trust in any form of digital communication has been blown out of the water, which makes it very difficult to operate in society. This is really timely legislation to come before the House.

I am also a victim although not quite of catfishing. Somebody took my identity, formed an identity online and pretended to be me online. The harm that did to me and my family was shocking. People need to realise that it is not some harmless fun. There are real impacts on people, and real consequences should follow those impacts. I commend Senator O'Loughlin and the Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan, on taking this legislation. I know Senator O'Loughlin will work with the Department to strengthen this. I hope it will be enacted in very short course because we need to have modern laws to deal with modern crimes.