Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 1063: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the discussions he has had with his European colleagues with a view to introducing legislative regulations to deter cyber-bullying or the use of the Internet for other abusive purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2200/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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With regard to the Internet, as a general rule, what is illegal off-line is illegal on-line. This could include illegal pornography, racist or hate materials, financial fraud, intimidation or any criminal activity carried out via the internet. In that context, for example, bullying, harassment or intimidation may constitute an offence of harassment in breach of section 10 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997, including harassment via the Internet. The Garda Síochána will examine any complaints reported to gardaí and where a criminal offence is disclosed, the matter is fully investigated.

My Department is active at national, EU and international level, addressing and promoting the means to combat any illegal and harmful uses of the Internet on an ongoing basis.