Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the officials from the office for Internet safety. Their role is challenging given the speed at which technologies continue to evolve. In her opening remarks, Ms O'Keeffe encouraged respect but I think that at this stage, we have to go beyond that kind of language. I know the office does not have the power to investigate but comes under the remit of the Department of Justice and Equality. We need stronger language even though, as was said during the discussions with the Minister, a small minority of people are abusing this. I encourage the office to look at the language it is using and to use stronger language to ensure it is fit for purpose in this regard and gives the impression that it is tackling this in a very serious way. We might have the greatest intentions to encourage people from junior infants to adulthood, but not wanting to be flippant, certain aspects of the game are very serious, including registering IP addresses outside particular jurisdictions. As public representatives, we all know people who have suffered greatly as a result of cyberbullying, as does the wider public. We will no doubt be talking to the officials again when we have further deliberations.