On Newstalk Breakfast, presenter Anton Savage could be forgiven for initially harbouring hopes for a party political ding-dong during his discussion on Government plans to ban social media for under-16s. Newly installed in the dawn slot, Savage could be forgiven for initially harbouring hopes for a party political ding-dong during his discussion on Government plans to ban social media for under-16s. Social Democrats TD Sinéad Gibney dismisses the mooted measure, saying it doesn’t tackle social media companies for their responsibility in creating the “cesspit” of harmful online content. Savage then turns to Fianna Fáil TD Malcolm Byrne, who far from rebutting Gibney seems sympathetic to her position: “I’m agnostic on the ban, if I’m honest.”Hearing this, Savage is incredulous. The toxic impact of social media again comes under the spotlight on Inside Sport (RTÉ Radio 1, weekdays).

Source: The Irish Times February 20, 2026 06:50 UTC