Social media sites 'need to take responsibility' for online abuse

Fine Gael TD, Tom Barry, has called for social media websites to make financial contributions towards the legal costs involved in fighting online abuse.

The Cork East TD, who has been the subject of online abuse, has expressed his dissatisfaction with Facebook in particular, over a post made on his page.

The Oireachtas Communications Committee is to examine the issue of online abuse and report to the Minister for Communications Pat Rabbitte.

Deputy Barry said Facebook has failed to communicate properly with his complaint and action is needed.

Mr Barry said: "I would nearly go as far as saying with the likes of these people, the Facebooks of this world, that they need to start putting financial contributions towards helping people legal costs.

"Like other service providers, they need to take responsibility."