Robert O'Donoghue (Dublin Fingal West, Labour)
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50. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment in light of other countries introducing restrictions on social media for under 16s or requiring parental consent, if his Department is considering similar measures in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64061/25]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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European Union Member States are examining this question of prohibiting access by children and young people to social media platforms – the so-called “digital age of majority”. Australia is implementing such a measure and other jurisdictions are considering similar measures.

Ireland is also considering its approach on this matter. I believe that any decision would be better taken by the EU and EU Member States together and in that regard, it is important to note that the President of the European Commission Ursula van der Leyen announced that she would establish an expert panel to examine the issue and to report by the end of the year. However, across the European Union there are differing views whether there should be an age of digital majority at all, and if there were such an age, what age it should be, and whether it should be an outright ban or a ban subject to parental consent.

In considering this matter, it is important that we include the voice of our young people and have regard to their rights, while protecting them from harm. It is also important that any such measures comply with the Digital Services Act because it is an EU Regulation that requires maximum harmonisation for all EU Member States, including Ireland

Notwithstanding whether a “digital age of majority” is implemented, I believe that age verification is a vital part of the picture in terms of providing real assurance that children are the age they claim to be and to ensure they are not exposed to harmful or illegal content. Without robust age verification, any other measures, including implementing a digital age of majority won’t work. I am working across Government to support robust age verification. In doing so, we must seek to ensure interoperabability and respect users’ rights, including data protection rights. To that end, my officials are working with the Government’s Chief Information Officer and his Office to look at practical technical solutions to age verification as part of the Government's Digital Wallet being developed using MyGovID. I am also seeking the inclusion of a commitment to this effect in the Government’s updated National Digital Strategy which will be published later this year.

I am determined to make progress on this key issue and will work with other EU member states, including in the context of Ireland's Presidency of the EU next year, on effective and practical solutions.