John Minihan (Progressive Democrats)

I support Senator Tuffy's call regarding the use of telephones. The story in the Irish Examiner is not exaggerated. The case referred to has been the talk of Cork for the past fortnight. It is distressing for the families involved and it is appalling that such an image should be passed among adults and schoolchildren. I call on the Leader to ask the Internet Advisory Board to look at this matter and to work in tandem with the telephone companies. We have a serious problem here, particularly among young children and with pay-as-you-go telephones which have no traceability and with which people can download or take pictures and circulate them without being traced. This is of serious concern and must be addressed immediately.

The story has not been jazzed up in any way. It is factual and is the talk of the place. As public representatives, we have a responsibility to address this matter.