Hildegarde Naughton (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I return to an issue I raised previously in the House, which is the matter of cyberbullying.

The Internet advisory group has reported to the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and made 30 recommendations which were discussed at Cabinet yesterday and which are to be implemented in the coming months. This is a welcome step. The criminalisation of cyberbullying sends a clear message to the State and society and ensures they understand how damaging it can be to the individual and, in particular, to young people. I am pleased the report recommends that Internet safety should be taught in primary and secondary schools and parents should receive training on awareness around cyberbullying issues. I note also that the report recommends that social, personal and health education in primary and secondary schools be updated to promote a positive, safer and more effective use of technology by children. Recently, I organised a meeting with the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Ruairí Quinn, for a Galway company which was carrying out a pilot for a secondary school in Galway city. He was extremely encouraging and supportive of that subject. Given that the matter has been discussed at Cabinet, it would be opportune to invite the Minister, Deputy Ruairí Quinn, to the House to hear what he envisages in this area. Perhaps the Leader would arrange such a debate.