David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I second the amendment. This is an excellent amendment. I am interested to learn that Interpol supports this proposal. That is a very strong argument. I hope that the Minister will see her way to accepting the amendment, particularly in light of the strong support for it from Interpol. I may be an innocent, perhaps because of my age - I am almost 72 - but I have never seen child pornography. I agree with Senator van Turnhout that it is doubtful that this material could be correctly termed pornography. The word "pornography" comes from the Greek words "porne" and "graphein," and means the writings of prostitutes. In common parlance it is taken to be erotic material to arouse the viewer. I cannot imagine circumstances in which any normal adult would be aroused by the spectacle of children engaging in sexual activity, presumably, on many occasions, under compulsion. Some of these children, I understand, are extremely young. That is very worrying. It seems to me that in every situation this is material that is an abuse of children. It should not happen and it is a violation of children. To my mind, the correct terminology is "child sexual abuse material." The only reason I can think of for retention of the phrase "child pornography" is that it is a term that has registered in the public imagination and is the phrase used in the newspapers and so on. I believe the Seanad has a role in educating the public, and should take the lead in that regard. I ask that the Minister positively consider this amendment, acceptance of which will not result in any complications in terms of the passage of the Bill. This is an aspect of the Bill about which I feel quite strongly.