Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 January 2026
386. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 273 of 14 December 2025, the progress to date in implementing measures to reduce the access of children under the age of 16 years to social media; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5385/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra387. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 480 of 9 December 2025, in view of the prevalence of the internet, digital communications and social media in society, the progress to date in implementing measures to foster a more secure digital environment; if legislative measures are required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5386/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 386 and 387 together.
Ireland, like other European Union Member States, is examining the question of prohibiting access by children and young people to social media platforms – the so-called “digital age of majority”. Australia has implemented such a measure and other jurisdictions are considering similar measures.
I believe that any decision would be better taken by the EU and EU Member States together and in that regard, it is important to note that the European Commission is establishing an expert panel to examine the issue, as announced by the President of the European Commission Ursula van der Leyen in her State of the Union speech.
However, across the European Union there are differing views whether there should be an age of digital majority at all, and if there were such an age, what age it should be, and whether it should be an outright ban or a ban subject to parental consent.
I plan to make online safety a key theme of Ireland's Presidency of the European Union this year and in that contest, I am determined to make progress on this key issue and will work with other EU member states on effective and practical solutions. Alongside this, the EU Audio Visual Media Services Directive, which is the basis for Ireland's Online Safety Code, will be evaluated over the coming year. Further measures are likely to be proposed at European level during Ireland's Presidency, and Ireland will work with all stakeholders to ensure that additional legislative proposals are robust in addressing harms posed to children online.
