Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the Deputy that this is a matter of great importance and one which requires a whole-of-Government response. As I said, it involves the Department of Education and Skills, the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, the Department of Health and my own Department. I see a school in the Visitors Gallery and I acknowledge what is being done in schools, under the aegis of the Department of Education and Skills, on cyberbullying and promoting awareness of it. New resources are being developed by Webwise including Up2Us, MySelfie, the Wider World and Lockers. I congratulate the schools on their work in this area and I encourage them to do more.

The Law Reform Commission made a number of key recommendations on criminal law matters, such as extending existing offences and making stalking a new offence. It recommended the new offence to address the taking and distribution of intimate images without consent, whether or not there is intent to cause harm or distress or a likelihood that it will do so. Officials in my Department are working on this and I acknowledge the contribution of Deputies, including those opposite and Deputy Howlin. I intend to bring forward legislation to ensure we can reflect the needs of society in this regard.

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