Sharon Keogan (Independent)

I support the intent behind this Bill and I will speak plainly about why it matters, not just in legal terms, but in human ones. I welcome the decision to replace the term "child pornography" with "child sexual abuse material". This is not a cosmetic change; it is a moral correction. These are not images; they are evidence of crimes. They are not pornography; they are abuse. As such the language we use must reflect that truth. Survivors deserve legislation that names the harm as what it is.

Words alone are not enough, however. Section 9 deals with the legal continuity and while I understand the need to preserve prosecutions under the old terminology, I ask the Minister of State how this will be communicated to the Judiciary, the legal profession and those working on the front lines of justice. We cannot afford to have confusion in our courts. Guidance must be clear and issued promptly.

Section 12 gives a three-month lead-in time for training, which is welcome. What will that training involve? Will it be trauma informed? Will gardaí, prosecutors and judges be trained, not just in the terminology but in the implications for evidence handling and victim support? If we are serious about protecting children, we must be serious about how we train those charged with delivering justice.

I am glad of the consideration and maturity this Bill has shown in focusing not only on the language change but also on ensuring such a change will be enacted and made real. I commend the careful thought, time and consideration that has been given to ensuring the terminology change will not lead to any potential complications in ongoing legal cases and prosecutions. I also note the Bill's alignment with international obligations, particularly under the Lanzarote Convention and EU directive. That is important. I commend Senators Flynn, Higgins, Ruane and Black on their amendment No. 2 to expand the Long Title, which adds clarity and transparency and helps the public understand what this Bill is about. I fully support it.

While the Bill may be technical, its impacts are deeply human. It reframes how we speak about crimes against children and how we prosecute them and must be accompanied by renewed commitment to victim-centred justice, which puts survivors and not systems first.