We use Google Analytics to see which pages are read and how the site is used, so we know what to improve. This only runs if you accept. See our privacy notice for details.

Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation

Suicide-promoting online forums

Summary

Deputy Clarke asked for immediate co-ordinated enforcement against online platforms that encourage suicide. The Tánaiste said he would speak to the Minister and Coimisiún na Meán and identify what action can be taken, including involving other Departments.

Online platforms that promote and facilitate suicide need to be stopped. I commend the team of The Journal Investigates for its work in exposing these sinister forums, which are banned in other jurisdictions but accessible here. They prey on vulnerable people and they encourage them into irreversible decisions. The problem is not a lack of legal or regulatory powers. We have the Digital Services Act, the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act, and the Criminal Law (Suicide) Act. What is missing here is co-ordinated enforcement and urgency.

Will the Tánaiste outline what immediate action the Government will take alongside Coimisiún na Meán, An Garda Síochána and the Internet service providers to block access to these sites? It is the Government's responsibility to ensure that every State body with a role is acting with urgency. Passing responsibility from one organisation to another is simply not acceptable in this regard. These delays are having real consequences. People have lost their lives after engaging with these forums. I implore the Tánaiste to intervene in this regard. The forums should not be accessible in this State, as they are not accessible in others.

Comment on this
Simon Harris The Tánaiste Fine Gael

The Deputy is right. They should not. I thank the Deputy for raising this. I truthfully do not know enough about the issue, other than that what the Deputy said is quite concerning. On foot of her raising this, I will talk to the Minister for media and Coimisiún na Meán and determine what co-ordinated action can be taken. We will come back to the Deputy on this issue.

Comment on this

And the Departments of justice and health.

Comment on this
Simon Harris The Tánaiste Fine Gael

I will work out who needs to be spoken to and come back to the Deputy. It is an important issue.

Comment on this