Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I thank the Taoiseach for his reply. I hope the Garda investigation is full and comprehensive. I suggest that the Minister for Education and Science, through her Department, run an information campaign on this danger to young people, making particular use of the schools network. I also suggest the Taoiseach speak to the chief executives of the mobile telephone companies. From speaking to a number of them in the past, I am aware that it is possible to block pornographic material on mobile telephones. Just as it is possible to block collections or forms of words on computers in schools, so too it may be possible to do something in respect of mobile telephone text messages. That is not the main issue, however, in the sense that at least two members of noble professions are allegedly involved in this case.

In December 2003, Deputy Enright made a series of proposals in respect of vetting those working with children. Vetting is crucial given the number of parents over the years who have advised their children to speak to a garda if they have a difficulty or problem. This matter is most distressing.

As I pointed out last week, this issue is about protection and information about protection. Did the Taoiseach consider issues arising from the referendum on protection for children over the weekend? No difficulties arise in respect of the zone of absolute protection or the criteria which can be laid down for the use of soft information. Perhaps the Taoiseach has considered having the matter dealt with speedily in view of the fact that the proposal is not opposed in the House.

I hope this most serious development will be followed through by the Garda as urgently as possible. I also hope that no other unfortunate children have been caught in this paedophile ring and that, arising from the Garda investigation, all necessary steps will be taken to deal with this most insidious destruction of innocence. The issue extends beyond politics and concerns every public representative and parent.

See this speech in context