Gareth Scahill (Fine Gael)

I stand today to speak about social media and a number of stories that presented themselves over the summer. There was the spreading of misinformation and threats. Social media policy seems to protect the protagonists in these situations more than the victims. It is affecting every area of life at present but, specifically at this moment in time, it is affecting Oireachtas Members. It is affecting presidential candidates. It is also definitely prevalent among the general public and the general population. It is a real threat to democracy and a threat to the future of people getting into public life. I call for a debate in the House. It would be great if we could call on the social media companies to get involved. Generally, it seems accepted that people in public life take this on board and accept it as the done thing but our family members and friends are threatened and it extends beyond this. I am sure that Members of the House have often been accused of things or things have been said about them at various stages that are completely untrue but we have no mechanism to correct it. As soon as we answer any of these things we give them more fuel. I am sure we have full cross-party support for starting this conversation. I would welcome the opportunity, if it could be included on the schedule in the very near future.