Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Surely digital safety is a key component, if not the key component, of a new national digital strategy at a time when an increasing number of young people are accessing the Internet and social networking apps. Young people are accessing them not just in greater numbers but also at a younger age. The Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment recently discussed the Digital Safety Commissioner Bill, which was brought forward by my colleague, Deputy Ó Laoghaire. The Bill is supported by the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, ISPCC, CyberSafeIreland and the Ombudsman for Children's office. Industry bodies have also stated that they are open to the concept. The Bill complements many of the objectives in the Minister for Justice and Equality's action plan for online safety. The previous Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment broadly supported the Bill as does the Chairman of the Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Deputy Hildegarde Naughton.

Does the Taoiseach support the establishment of such an office? Does he believe we need a regulator with powers and that such an office should be established as soon as possible? The Minister for Justice and Equality said last week that consideration is being given to the matter by a review group led by the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment and that he expects the group will report soon. Does the Taoiseach have an update on when we are likely to see such a report? Does he support the objective of Deputy Ó Laoghaire's Bill, which provides for the establishment of a digital safety commission and commissioner to protect our young people?

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