Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The legislation will enable us to ratify the Council of Europe Convention on Cybercrime. It is important that any such ratification in legislative form will enable the Garda and other stakeholders to ensure the practical application. I acknowledge, however, that there has been a delay in the ratification of the convention. I am keen to focus on ensuring that the draft legislation is introduced at the earliest opportunity. I refer, again, to the Criminal Justice (Offences Relating to Information Systems) Act 2017, which gives effect to key provisions of the convention. This is now available to An Garda Síochána. I also acknowledge other accompanying legislation such as the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Bill 2017, which is a Private Members' Bill sponsored by Deputy Howlin. All parties in the House are currently subscribing towards this Bill.

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