Michael Healy-Rae demands action after 'derogatory' pictures of his late mother posted online

Michael Healy-Rae said it was 'becoming acceptable in the Ireland of today that people can go on social media platforms and say whatever they like about whomever they like'

Michael Healy-Rae said the Government should take action at the 'lies' that are told on social media. Picture: Sam Boal/Collins

Michael Healy-Rae has demanded action against social media companies, saying pictures of his late mother had been used "in a derogatory way".

In an impassioned speech during Tuesday's leaders' questions, the Kerry TD said the Government should take action at the "lies" that are told on social media.

He said it was "becoming acceptable in the Ireland of today that people can go on social media platforms and say whatever they like about whomever they like".

"It can be members of An Garda Síochána or politicians, national or local," he said. "This is just because a person will sit in a car and put a mobile phone like this godforsaken stupid thing in front of them and go online and say whatever they like. 

"Thousands of people will then come along and be as good as swallowing it up and believing it. People doing this can say outrageous and hurtful things. They can attack people's families. They can attack individuals.

People can say whatever the hell they like about me because it will not worry me or take one minute out of my head space. It will not bother me. I do not like it when they attack my family because they are my family. When they attack my friends, I do not like that.

He said his late mother, who died in 2015, 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. She was a nice lady. When I saw one night her image being used in a derogatory way and in a political way, that pushed it over the line for me."

Mr Healy-Rae asked the Taoiseach "what is going to happen to these social media firms, including TikTok and everything like it?"

He said he was against the proposed hate speech bill, but said action needed to be taken.

Taoiseach Simon Harris said the use of Mr Healy-Rae's mother was "utterly despicable and reprehensible". 

He said online safety "is a key priority" and Coimisiún na Meán had published a new online safety framework which "will hold platforms to account and will ensure that we significantly reduce harmful content online".

Mr Harris had earlier clashed with Waterford TD Matt Shanahan, who had accused the Government of "gormlessly" wondering why populist forces had risen around Europe "without once considering their own part in whipping it up by leaving parts of the country and society to stew in their own juices".

Mr Harris said this contribution was "really out of order" and referenced the recent bomb threat at his home.

"It was fundamentally out of order because I do not ever think there is a justification for the hatred some members of this house have experienced or for the intimidation and attacks they have experienced, online, off-line, at their homes and towards their families. 

"I would not wish it on my worst enemy. I defend the right of any member of this house to not ever have to encounter that."