Bernard Allen (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 80: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the actions he can take to counter increased use of the Internet and mobile telephone systems for child pornography and gambling; if his attention has been drawn to the potential damage to society of such abuses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8324/05]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I have no function in relation to gambling. Legislation to combat illegal pornographic material is already in place. The Deputy may be aware that it is an offence under section 13 of the Post Office (Amendment) Act 1951, as amended by the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act 1983, to send by phone any message or other matter which is grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character. It is also an offence under section 10 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997 to harass a person by use of any means including by use of a telephone.

My colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, is responsible for policy to protect children from the transmission of pornographic images by phones and other media. Anyone who has information on such matters should bring it immediately to the attention of the Garda for criminal investigation.