132. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the immediate measures he is taking to monitor, prevent, and address discriminatory online harassment and the alarming levels of online abuse directed at national sports representatives, particularly targeting those from ethnic minority backgrounds; the way in which he will ensure that perpetrators are held accountable to protect the dignity and safety of athletes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17066/26]

Sentiment score: -0.03

Recent incidents have highlighted the alarming levels of online abuse directed at our national sports representatives, particularly targeting those from ethnic minority backgrounds. What immediate measures is the Minister's Department taking to moderate, prevent and address such discriminatory online harassment and how will he ensure the perpetrators are held accountable to protect the dignity and safety of our athletes?

Sentiment score: -0.02

I thank the Minister. Online abuse is no longer confined to social media. It spills out into our stadiums, communities and local sports grounds. I was a soccer referee for a long time and I can attest to that. It is lovely to hear the Minister say there must be zero tolerance. For this behaviour, those responsible - it is hard to call them fans - should face real consequences. They should be banned from matches. They should have their online accounts sanctioned and we should have the social media companies walk with us. The Minister mentioned the abuse aimed at Edwin Edogbo, for which the IRFU had to turn off comments. That shows how serious the problem is. If we do not act now and hold people accountable, it will only get worse. Recent incidents, including the flares thrown in Oriel Park at a young supporter, show the real-life consequences. As the Minister said, abuse should have no place in sport. Enforcement is a good thing as long as it works. The numbers on enforcement from Coimisiún na Meán would be good to see.

Sentiment score: -0.07

A member of my bunch's last time in Government can confirm that. I thank the Minister. I do not believe it was a good idea to withhold funding from the clubs based off the incident in Oriel Park when the root of the cause really lies elsewhere. It begins online with what is usually a small minority using social media platforms to whip up outrage and hostility before a ball is even kicked. Clubs, which do extraordinary work on the ground and in their communities, should not be punished for the actions of individuals acting behind anonymous accounts, as the Minister mentioned. The focus must be held on those online platforms and users to be held properly accountable. No one here should face abuse - Government or Opposition. I have spoken about this before and emphasised that strong adult safeguarding policies must be a priority for every club from local level all the way up to our international superstars. We must ensure sport remains what it is when it is at its best, a force that brings people together and builds communities.

Sentiment score: 0.06