Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

Yesterday, arising from concerns about child pornography on the Internet, I asked the Taoiseach his proposals for the possible early introduction of the electronic communications (miscellaneous provisions) Bill. The Minister assisted the Taoiseach in his answer and seemed to state the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act 1998 was the relevant legislation. However, it is considered in mainland Europe and the UK that the Internet watchdog provides the appropriate method to police such activity. Since the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Deputy Noel Dempsey, is here this morning, perhaps he might clarify that.

The second issue concerns the worries expressed by many regarding the fuel storage capacity and facilities of this country for both gas and oil. The national oil reserves agency Bill is shortly to come before the House. Perhaps the Minister might state when that is likely to happen and whether he will take account of that shortfall in the storage facilities.

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