Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 12: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has had communication or plans to communicate with other Departments or agencies on the issue of cyber bullying; if he has plans to introduce policy in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21466/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources I have overall responsibility for electronic communications policy, but I have no responsibility in relation to the actions of persons conducting bullying or intimidation activities over electronic communications networks.

Bullying in any form can be very real issue and can be distressing for those on the receiving end, particularly children. However, parents must be aware of their children's behaviour and their supervisory role is key to safeguarding their children from the perils of abuse of communications technology.

Malevolent Internet activity falls within the remit of my colleague the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and I would draw the Deputy's attention to the Office of Internet Safety recently established by that Minister.

I would also refer the Deputy to www.webwise.ie, a website developed by the National Centre for Technology in Education (NCTE), an agency under the Department of Education and Science. This website provides information and resources to help ensure that children's on-line activity is positive and safe. My colleague, the Minister for Education and Science, also launched a new education programme earlier this year on Internet safety, which focuses on promoting safer and more effective use of social networking websites by children in Ireland. The programme is aimed at parents and teachers as well as children.

My Department, in conjunction with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, the authorities in Northern Ireland and private sector companies, recently launched a public awareness campaign called "Make IT Secure" to raise awareness of issues surrounding Internet access and security.

Finally, as the Deputy may be aware, legislation is already in place to prosecute the issue of nuisance and criminal phone calls, and the sending of pornographic images by mobile phones.

It is an offence under Section 13 of the Post Office (Amendment) Act, 1951, as amended, to send by phone any message or other matter, which is grossly offensive, or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character.

Also it is an offence under Section 10 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997 to harass a person by use of a telephone.

The investigation of these offences is a matter for the Garda Síochána.