Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 751: To ask the Minister for Education and Science her views on a submission (details supplied); if her Department has any information or policy document in regard to such problems; if she has had meetings or consultations with the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources or the Department of Health and Children on the matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9425/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The Schools Broadband Programme provides broadband internet access to Primary and Post Primary schools and includes Content Filtering as an integral part of the service. The Content Filtering service is designed to control the level of access from schools, via the broadband network, to the wider internet. It does this by categorising websites under various categories and providing content filtering 'options' to schools which allow or block a combination of these website categories. Based on information and advice provided by the National Centre for Technology in Education (NCTE), the schools themselves decide on which content filtering option is most appropriate to school needs and confirm this to the NCTE. This option is then set up for the school. Currently two options have been implemented for schools. However, this may change based on the feedback from schools and responding to schools requirements.

No school is connected to the internet via the schools broadband network unless it has confirmed in writing: a) an Internet Acceptable Usage Policy in place and b) its Content Filtering option to the NCTE. Content Filtering is a technology based service that assists in the management of websites for schools. Along with education/awareness and supervision it forms the basis of implementing a safe environment for pupils in schools.

The NCTE actively provides support and guidelines to schools regarding the use of the Information and Communication Technologies. Through its internet safety initiative the NCTE launched the "Webwise" website (www.webwise.ie), which creates awareness about new technologies and possible risks associated with their use by young people. The site offers advice and guidance to schools, pupils and parents.

The Internet Advisory Board is also working in this area.

It is noted that the submission furnished by the Deputy does not reference any specific websites or indicate whether the websites in question were accessed via the schools broadband network.

Any person who has concerns in relation to a website which has been accessed via the schools broadband network may contact the Schools Broadband Helpdesk of the NCTE at 1800 33 44 66.