Have your say: Communications Committee invites submissions on Social Media

21 February 2013

The Committee agreed to explore, over a series of hearings, how the irresponsible use of social media channels might be curbed (View terms of reference below).

Chairman of the Committee Tom Hayes TD says: \"Social media outlets are changing the way many of our citizens interact with one another. Some disquiet has accompanied the rise of social media, particularly in relation to the nature of abusive and unfettered commentary. As a Committee, we’ve considered over the past number of weeks how the rights of ordinary citizens can be upheld on social media outlets. The Committee agrees that is now appropriate to commence the public element of the deliberations. The hearings, scheduled for 6, 7 and 13 March are expected to include discussions with leading industry representatives and a Ministerial perspective.”  
“The Committee now launches a public consultation on social media. We hope any individuals and groups with an interest in this area will participate. Submissions can be sent by email, post and via social media channels themselves. We expect that the submissions received will inform a Committee Report, which will contain recommendations to Government in this complex and fast-changing area.”

View more details and make a submission.

Terms of Reference for Discussions on Social Media
1.    To provide a forum for debate on the challenges facing individuals, families and communities from the rise of social media, including the challenges posed by cyber-bullying and online harassment
2.    To receive a Ministerial perspective and an official overview of the measures in place, including legislative measures, to meet the challenges posed by social media
3.    To receive the views of the primary social media networks, i.e. Facebook, Twitter and YouTube
4.    To allow a time period for public consultation and for the receipt of submissions on this topic

For further information contact:
Paul Hand,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Communications Unit,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2
P: +353 1 618 4484
M: +353  87 694 9926

Committee Membership

Deputies
Michael Colreavy, Sinn Féin
Timmy Dooley, Fianna Fáil
 Dessie Ellis, Sinn Féin
 Terence Flanagan, Fine Gael
 Tom Fleming, Independent
 Noel Harrington, Fine Gael
 Tom Hayes, Fine Gael (Chairman)
Seán Kenny, Labour
Eamonn Moloney, Labour
Michael Moynihan, Fianna Fáil
 Patrick O’Donovan, Fine Gael
 John O’Mahony, Fine Gael (Vice-Chairman)
 Ann Phelan, Labour
 Brian Walsh, Fine Gael
 
Senators
 Terry Brennan
 Sean D. Barrett
 Eamonn Coghlan
 Paschal Mooney
 Ned O’Sullivan
 John Whelan