Mr. Ian Power:

I believe there is an appetite for that to take place. From our perspective, an emerging issue with children and young people that is severely impacting their mental health as well is the non-consensual sharing of intimate images. The definition of "harmful communications" must be expanded to include that, so the Garda is more readily equipped to respond in those circumstances. It is particularly affecting younger men. For whatever reason, images are being shared and then, essentially, they are being blackmailed. It is causing huge anxiety for them. We had two cases in the past week alone that we had to refer to the Garda National Protective Services Bureau.

In our opinion, the legislation is the silver bullet. It means having a body we could go to that can both co-ordinate the education campaigns and also enforce take-down, which is a big thing for children and young people as well.