Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

I do not know whether it will be before that date but the Government will make its intentions clear when it has had an opportunity to study the issues.

With regard to the cases of sexual assault, I do not want to comment on pending court proceedings. However, I ask the Deputy to acknowledge at the least that yesterday's charges proved I was correct when I said there was no black hole in the law.

On legislation dealing with anti-social behaviour and public order offences, it is the intention of the Department to commence the ASBOs provisions as soon as possible, hopefully in early January with regard to ASBOs for adults and by March with regard to ASBOs for children, the process for which is slightly more complex.

Legislation to amend the law to take items off the Internet is not under contemplation at present. However, offensive material of that kind could in certain circumstances constitute a contempt of the criminal process. In any event, it might also constitute a breach of privacy for some of the people involved. As the Deputy knows, legislation is before the Seanad in that regard.

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