Social media comments face scrutiny of politicians

Comment on social media sites such as Twitter might come under stricter control, with TDs and senators set to examine potential measures.

The Oireachtas Committee on Communications will convene a special meeting early in the new year to discuss whether the use of social media in public debate should be subject to regulation or legislation.

Committee chairman Tom Hayes (FG) said it was an issue that affected all of society: “We are living in a different era now which is very, very challenging and we want to control it.”

The Tipperary TD said the sites should not be used in a way that “puts pressure on people” and that he, like every other TD, has been subjected to vile, anonymous comments.

Following its meeting, the committee will present a report to Government on whether legislation or regulation is required.

Online bullying has been blamed as a contributory factor in a number of recent high-profile suicide cases, including that of Shane McEntee, the junior agriculture minister, who was found dead last Friday.

He took his own life just days after his 56th birthday.

Mr McEntee, a father of four, had recently been criticised on social media websites over budget cuts to the respite care grant and comments he made about the issue.

At his funeral Mass on Christmas Eve, his brother Gerry was applauded when he criticised anonymous attacks made against him following the budget in December.

“Shame on you people, you faceless cowards who sent him horrible messages on the website and on text,” he said.

“I hope you are not proud of what you have achieved.”