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IN A IMPASSIONED speech in Dáil Éireann today, Independent TD Michael Healy-Rae railed against social media companies and their failure to stop the spreading of false information about individuals on their platforms.
Addressing the Taoiseach, Healy-Rae used his speaking slot to question why more is not done by social media companies to stop this.
The Kerry TD told the Dáil that hurtful, derogatory comments have been made about his late mother online and that it is not acceptable.
“I am going to call something out here today and I want to see what you, your government and the rest of the people inside this house think of it.
Why is it acceptable in the Ireland of today that people can go on social media platforms, and they can say whatever they like, about whoever they like.
“It can be members of An Garda Síochána, it can be politicians.
“They can say outrageous things, they can say hurtful things, they can attack people’s families, they can attack individuals,” Healy-Rae said.
He continued: “And if you want to know why I’m cross today Taoiseach, I’ll tell you why. They can say whatever the hell they like about me because it won’t worry me. It won’t take one minute out of my headspace. It won’t bother me.
“I don’t like it when they attack my family because they are my family. When they attack my friends, I don’t like that. But I am going to say this… My late mother died in 2015 and she was a highly respectable woman.
She could speak seven languages. She never said anything bad about any human being. She supported all of us in every way she possibly could. And she was a nice lady.
“And when I saw one night her name being used in a derogatory way and in a political way, that pushed it over the line for me.”
The Kerry TD asked the Taoiseach what is going to be done to tackle this behaviour on social media and the failure of social media companies to act.
He added: “Just because you’re a minister, just because you are the leader of a party, it does not mean you have to have lies accepted about you and that people can say horrible things about people they really don’t even know.
“It’s ridiculous. And I’m asking you will you please try to do something to bring a bit of normality into the situation so that people can’t be telling lies, blatant lies, about people.”
Taoiseach Simon Harris said in response: “Well said indeed Deputy Healy-Rae, and thank you for saying it.”
“I’m really sorry and I know everybody in this house is to hear of the abuse that you and your family had to put up with. Particularly the comments and images of your late mother.
That is utterly despicable and reprehensible and there is not a member of this house on any political side who doesn’t think that.
The Taoiseach said it was a seriously important issue being raised by Healy Rae that impacts on people right across the country, particularly children and younger people.
He said he was seriously concerned about online abuse and the use of faceless accounts used to intimidate, silence and bully people.
Commenting on what the Government is doing to address the issue, he pointed to the establishment of the media regulator, Coimisiún na Meán.
He added that the Online Safety Code is to be formally adopted later this year which sets out actions platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X, formerly Twitter, must take to protect users.
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I returned home 2 months a go after 2 years in Brazil having never been on the dole before. Now 8 weeks later I’m at my wits end, I have started two jobs since I got home only to end up loosing the as I stood up to my employers for the lack of breaks. I recently worked for a push bike courier and worked 9 hours straight,when asked about lunch I was told it was too busy. There are lazy people out there but employers seem to be able to do as they wish at times.
Unfortunately the idea of “you have a job, you should be grateful ” over the last few years has given alot of employers the attitude that employees should and will take any conditions and crap that’s thrun at them and because so many people are sinking into poverty and are barely keeping their heads above water even though they are working they feel they have no other option but to put up and shut up. It’s a vicious circle.
Have you at any point considered turning to crime or drug abuse as a result of these problems?
I was unemployed for a number of months before I emigrated and not once was this a consideration of mine.
I’m not really sure why we’re constantly being told that “lack of support” of various different types is the cause of drug use and crime. I had little support, aside from Social Welfare, while I was unemployed and managed to get my ass out of the country and a new job without starting on heroin and mugging old ladies.
Where is the support for the retired Irish mother with a husband who hasn’t worked since 2009 and is getting by on state pensions and missing the support (emotional and financial) of her adult children who have all had to emigrate, or are unemployed themselves? Nope, not a word about that – it’s *always* inner city Dublin.
Also, I’m not entirely sure how quantifiable answers to questions such as “how is the recession, and Government policy, affecting your life?” actually are and how from this they can conclude the “greatest impact of the crisis and austerity measures has been felt by people who are on the lowest incomes and most dependent on state supports and services,” Surely these are subjective?
Similarly, communities like Fatima Mansions are much easier to provide services to than, say, dispersed rural communities. The fact that the have “community workers” to speak up (be they paid or voluntary) is something. Who speaks on behalf of the many thousands of people outside inner city Dublin who aren’t mentioned in the article?
There is much food for thought in your well considered comment. Kudos.
Time for the Irish people to stand up for themselves.
Pete
Dont be silly the Irish are lap dogs. Never protest, never stand up, just take it time and time again
Sad but very true :(
It’s all the fluoride In the water,makes them dolicile.Its banned everywhere in Europe.
Bullshit
The politicians are not going to stand up for anyone. They are too busy slurping at the trough with their newly appointed consultants. Why don’t these community groups demand free electricity and water for low income families and individuals? Are they so mired in corruption that they are unable to propose some simple solutions? And before the shareholders of Ireland Inc. start gnashing their teeth, and asking who will pay for it. The answer is, the Utility corporations can easily afford to take a small dip in profits.
You shut your mouth, put on some clothes, get down them stairs and get out & get a bleedin job for yourself (Dessie Curly)
Can’t find the full report online, does anyone have a link?
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