Gilmore: Reflection needed on McEntee death

A lot of reflection is needed by the media and politicians following the tragic and sudden death of minister of state at the Department of Agriculture, Shane McEntee, the Tánaiste has said.

Eamon Gilmore made the comments after an Oireachtas committee last week pledged to examine abuses of social media and the issue of cyberbullying.

The probe about harassment of people online follows comments at Mr McEntee’s funeral by Gerry McEntee who referred to the “flak” his late brother had endured through social media.

Mr Gilmore said yesterday at an event in Dublin: “I think there’s a lot of reflection that needs to be done on the very tragic death of Shane McEntee. That reflection needs to be done by politicians, by media, and by the public.”

The Oireachtas committee on transport and communications is shortly to invite submissions of interest from individuals and groups on the Oireachtas website and hold hearings into cyberbullying.

Committee chairman and Tipperary South Fine Gael TD Tom Hayes, has said he is concerned about the growth of abusive remarks generally made on social media.

Mr Hayes has said he wants to have a report presented to Communications Minister Pat Rabbitte on the issue by the end of January or early February.

He said last week: “We want to see how extensive the abuse is and suggest what regulations might be put in place if they are found to be necessary.”

It is understood, according to political colleagues of the late Mr McEntee, that he had received a lot of negative comments online following the budget.

His brother Gerry told mourners at his funeral in Meath there were “faceless cowards” who had sent him horrible messages online and by text.

However, a number of contributors to online forums and websites in recent days have questioned whether politicians will be able to regulate or legislate to control online social media contributions.