Rónán Mullen (Independent) | Oireachtas source

A Chathaoirligh agus a Threoraí - ní ceannaire ach Treoraí atá ann - ba bhreá liom cur leis an méid a dúirt an Seanadóir Rabbitte maidir leis an Idirlíon agus cosaint na bpáistí ach go háirithe.

Last week, we had Safer Internet Day; it runs for the month of February. While I welcome and agree with what Senator Rabbitte said - and, like her, I commend the initiative taken in Droichead an Chláirín, Clarinbridge - I am concerned that there is a certain "quangoism" involved with this issue. I was listening to Claire Byrne's programme recently and I was struck by what I regard as fatalism around those who are, with the best of intentions, seeking to assist parents and teachers to help young people to navigate the Internet safely. While every initiative is to be welcomed, if we just have a plethora of organisations, helplines, hotlines, resources and awareness-raising, we will miss the point that parents are under enormous pressure in respect of this matter. We all know what will happen. No matter how much money is pushed at this, some parents will get the message and take the necessary steps to protect their children while others, due to pressure or other reasons, will simply fall through the net. We should have a debate about what practical and important steps are necessary to promote a better climate for Internet safety for young people.

We must not ignore the importance of legislation. On another occasion, I would like to return to the legislation I brought forward in the previous Seanad which would require strict age verification by those who provide pornography on the Internet. The Bill in question did not get a favourable response from the Government at the time, but we must be ready to create strict rules that establish safety. We must use the power of legislation to do so rather than Coimisiún na Meán or any other well-intentioned organisations. They will not deal with such problems effectively.