Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

My Department is strongly supportive of the integration of information and communication technology, ICT, tools and techniques into teaching practice. However, I am conscious that the use of modern technology can also create opportunities for cyberbullying to occur. In this regard, following the recent anti-bullying forum held in May, I have established a working group to address the issue of tackling bullying in schools, including cyberbullying.

It should be noted that individual schools have the ability to filter the content of what is accessible through the school's broadband network. This allows teachers to use the Internet for teaching and learning in a manner that reduces the risk of pupils' accessing inappropriate content. The Department also funds the Webwise initiative, which focuses on increasing understanding of Internet safety at school and in the home and improving skills in this regard. It is important for all of society to remain vigilant and alert to the potential risks associated with the use and misuse of modern technologies.

See this speech in context