Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This is an increasing focus among the providers. They are taking many more initiatives than people are aware of, where there is any indication of criminal activity online. For example, more efforts are being made to keep the online evidence, which can effectively be, as the Deputy describes it, a crime scene - we have to think about it like that. There are more and more initiatives coming from the Internet service providers. The Law Reform Commission is examining this area in its fourth programme of law reform, which commenced in 2013. One of the projects it is looking at is crime affecting personal safety, privacy and reputation, including cyberbullying, which is the point the Deputy is raising. I look forward to getting that. It has asked for submissions and is examining a number of points relating to this issue such as the efficacy of injunctions, the relevance of damages or remedy when the harm caused by online defamation is in many ways irreversible and the cost of civil proceedings. It put a number of questions for public response or submission regarding what remedies or reforms should be provided. I will be guided by that law reform report when I receive it in the near future.

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