Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats)
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116. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the tools, if any, used by his Department, and/or An Garda Síochána, to monitor social media accounts suspected of criminal intent, the use of terms which may cause public unrest, and other actions of ‘bad actors’. [14279/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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The right to freedom of expression is protected under the Constitution,. However, people do not have the right to behave in a way that threatens public peace or causes others to fear for their safety. An Garda Síochána monitors activity, including on social media, where there is potential for breaches of public order. The rule of law, human rights and the principle of proportionality are respected at all times.

If the line between free speech and threatening or intimidating behaviour is crossed, there are a number of provisions in our laws that apply, and the Government has supported An Garda Síochána in the provision of resources and equipment.

The Programme for Government contains a number of other commitments in the areas of policing social media and cyber security, including to explore the possibility of requiring social media companies and online communication platforms to provide An Garda Síochána with information they have on their platforms relating to the supply of illegal drugs, and to develop a comprehensive strategy to combat the harms related to social media.

Within the wider area of online security, the Programme for Government commits to bring the National Centre for Cyber Security and the National Security Authority under the remit of the Department of Justice to ensure proper alignment of our national security infrastructure, and to deliver a new National Cybersecurity Strategy in 2025 and promote a centre of excellence for cyber security skills.

For reasons of operational and national security it would not be appropriate to disclose details of cyber security arrangements or any tools that may be deployed. However, I am informed by the Garda authorities that An Garda Síochána obtains information from the Internet using Open Source material. This information is utilised to identify, develop or corroborate other sources of intelligence for the purpose of the prevention, detection and investigation of criminal offences and for national security.

An Garda Síochána carry out all inquiries in accordance with law and in a proportionate manner, ensuring the constitutional and human rights of all are respected.