Internet Safety

Tuesday, 24 February 2026

Questions (618)

Barry Heneghan

Question:

618. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the steps taken to implement the recommendations of the Government appointed Online Safety Taskforce in relation to limiting or regulating the use of recommender algorithms that expose children to harmful content; the measures in place, or planned, to strengthen age verification requirements for online service providers operating in the State; the enforcement powers available to ensure compliance with such obligations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14997/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport

The Department of Health published the Final Report of the Online Health Taskforce in December 2025. I understand that my colleague, the Minister for Health, will shortly establish a group to examine implementation of the recommendations set out in the report in due course, and will engage with colleagues across Government in this regard.

Recommender systems (algorithms) are dealt with from a legislative perspective under the EU Digital Services Act (DSA), which is the responsibility of the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment.

In relation to age verification, Ireland's online safety code sets out obligations for designated video-sharing platform services established in Ireland to use age assurance measures, including age verification, to protect children under 18 years of age from adult-only content. The online safety code was developed by Coimisiún na Meán, which is independent in the exercise of its functions, including its enforcement of the Code.

Separately, my Department is working with the Office of the Chief Government Information Officer to develop an age verification tool as part of Ireland’s Digital Wallet. A pilot is envisaged, which will be led by the OGCIO.