Tánaiste Simon Harris said Ireland is experiencing a breakdown in respect for authority across society [1, 2].
The comments highlight growing government concern over public safety and the role of digital platforms in normalizing illegal behavior.
Speaking on July 21, 2026, Harris said this perceived loss of respect is linked to several factors, including the platforming of illegal activity by social-media companies [1, 2]. He said that these platforms enable activity that undermines the rule of law.
"We are seeing a breakdown of any respect for authority in society," Harris said [1].
Among the specific triggers for these remarks was a recent crash on the M9 motorway [1, 2]. The Tánaiste used the incident to emphasize the dangers of ignoring traffic laws and safety regulations.
Harris also addressed the rising use of electric scooters among children. He said the devices are not playthings and should be treated with caution by guardians [2, 3].
"No parent in Ireland should think an e-scooter is a toy," Harris said [2].
The warnings come amid a broader debate in Ireland regarding the regulation of micromobility, and the responsibility of parents to supervise children using motorized transport [2, 3]. Harris said the lack of respect for authority extends beyond individual accidents to a systemic issue influenced by modern communication tools [1, 2].
“"We are seeing a breakdown of any respect for authority in society."”
This rhetoric signals a potential shift toward stricter enforcement of public order and transport laws in Ireland. By linking social media influence to a decline in civic respect and citing specific tragedies like the M9 crash, the government is framing public safety not just as a matter of legislation, but as a cultural crisis involving parental responsibility and corporate accountability.
