Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 March 2026
84. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if she will support banning social media companies from targeting toxic recommender algorithms at children as a key part of implementing Operational Recommendation Three of the Final Report of the Online Health Taskforce; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17736/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI published the Final Report of the Online Health Taskforce in December 2025. The Report provides a comprehensive framework to understand and address the complex challenges facing children and young people in digital environments. It includes four proposed foundational principles and 10 recommendations aimed at increasing the protection of children from online threats and ensuring the creation of safer online spaces.
The recommendations provide a clear roadmap for action – one that puts children's rights at the centre and requires a whole-of-government response. I will shortly establish a group to examine implementation of the recommendations and will engage with colleagues across Government.
Recommender systems or algorithms are dealt with from a legislative perspective under the Digital Services Act (DSA), which is the policy responsibility of the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment.
