Noel Coonan (Tipperary North, Fine Gael)
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Question 109: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his strategy to combat mobile phone bullying; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37470/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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As Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources I have overall responsibility for electronic communications policy, but I do not have responsibility with regard to the actions of persons conducting bullying or intimidation activities over electronic communications networks. I am conscious, however, that bullying in any form can be distressing, especially for children.

The Irish Cellular Industry Association has published A Parents Guide to Mobile Phones, which has some key safety tips for parents to help encourage the safe and responsible use of mobile phones by their children. This is useful as an important line of control rests with parents. Their supervisory role is key to safeguarding their children from the perils of abuse of communications technology.

Legislation is already in place to address the sending of indecent or offensive material by telephone and the harassment of people by telephone. Anyone who has information on these matters should bring it immediately to the attention of the Garda Síochána for criminal investigation.

Noel Coonan (Tipperary North, Fine Gael)
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I am disappointed with the Minister's response. He is evading the issue and disclaiming responsibility. A recent Barnardos poll indicated that 82% of parents were concerned about mobile phone bullying. Two out of five young people is affected by it or knows someone who is. It is a matter of great concern. The Minister cannot walk away from the fact that he must take responsibility for mobile phone operators. He should either regulate them or introduce a standard code with which this matter can be dealt. It is a serious concern to people. Will the Minister publish a set of updated anti-bullying guidelines that can be used by mobile phone operators? It is 14 years since they were first drawn up and things have moved on in the communications field since then.

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I am concerned about this issue but it is a criminal act. It is an offence under section 10 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997 to harass a person by use of a telephone. It is also an offence under section 13 of the Post Office (Amendment) Act 1951, as amended by the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act 1983, to send by telephone any message or other matter which is grossly offensive, indecent, obscene or menacing character. Given the provisions in legislation regarding such criminal behaviour, it is appropriate for that route to be followed when such incidents take place and to allow for due process under the law.

Noel Coonan (Tipperary North, Fine Gael)
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This is a cop-out on the Minister's part. This matter concerns five to 14 year olds and dealing with it as a criminal manner is not the answer. An Irish-based company, Century, is travelling to Singapore under an Enterprise Ireland grant to install SIM cards that can deal with mobile phone bullying. It is simple to install and is urgently required but the Minister is not following it up. The time has come for him to take action and call in the operators to ensure the technology that is available is implemented and put an end to this growing problem.

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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This is a serious issue. That is why I believe that as it is a criminal activity the Garda Síochána should be responsible.

Noel Coonan (Tipperary North, Fine Gael)
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When will the Minister do something about it?