Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy's point illustrates the challenge involved. He raised the issue of privacy rights and, quite rightly, there has to be a balance. Equally, one must also look at it from the victims' viewpoint or the threat to the State, and ensure the State has adequate powers to investigate crimes of the type described by the Deputy. I visited Scotland Yard last year to see the work of the Metropolitan Police in combating child pornography. They have a sophisticated and comprehensive response, so clearly the Garda Síochána can learn from the best international methods to deal with such crimes.

The acting Garda Commissioner is undertaking a strategic review of resources in this area in order that she can deal effectively with these matters. I am sure I will revert to the committee to discuss that strategic review. The Deputy will note that cybercrime is included as a priority for the strategic guidelines concerning the justice and home affairs, JHA, portfolio for the next five years. We will see many rapid developments in this area and we will have to work hard to ensure legislation reflects the sort of challenges the Deputy outlined.