We welcome the intention of this Bill, which clearly aims to protect children from harm. There is no doubt we are in a different age to when most of us were growing up. Most people in this Chamber came to digital and social media whereas as for young people it has always been their experience; they know nothing else. It is our role as legislators to make it as safe we can for all users, especially young people. There is no doubt there are positive aspects to social media but we are also aware there are extreme harms being done to children, young people and vulnerable older people. The core of the damage is being done with the use of recommender algorithms. These algorithms aim to keep young people endlessly scrolling. We know they amplify extreme content and promote unrealistic body images and racist and misogynistic content. We all know and agree these algorithms are causing harm. We hear it time and again from both sides, yet the Government continues to kick it down the road. I wonder why. I am sorry the young people have left the Gallery. Maybe the Minister can explain to them why those harmful, toxic social media elements are being sent to them within minutes of engaging on social media. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, in particular general comment No. 25, sets out children's rights in a digital environment. They are the rights to participate, the right to be protected from harm, the right not to be exploited for commercial gain and the right to access true and accurate information. Children have the right to be online. It is up to us, the lawmakers, to ensure they are not exploited. Does the Minister really believe these companies are going to do it for themselves? They are making billions of euro in profits from these recommender algorithms and so is the Government. Maybe that is the reluctance to deal with this.

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