Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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692. To ask the Minister for Health the action he will take against websites that promote harmful and unhealthy behaviour such as promoting anorexia and bulimia and other eating disorders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22918/13]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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I wish to stress, in the first instance, that the Internet is an international and worldwide phenomenon, that has no borders and no single control mechanism. Therefore, efforts to combat harmful materials and activities on the Internet can be hampered by the multiplicity of jurisdictions, various legal systems, differing societal norms, or other relevant factors in this regard.

Many pro-eating disorder websites may be hosted outside this jurisdiction, principally in the United States. As such, they would be subject to US jurisdiction, and any effective action is therefore limited in nature. Notwithstanding such difficulties, there is in Ireland a self-regulatory framework in place for internet service providers (ISPs). The Internet Service Providers Association of Ireland Code of Practice and Ethics sets out clear guidelines and minimum standards in respect of dealing with complaints regarding suspected illegal material. However, pro-eating disorder websites are not regarded as illegal.

The Deputy may rest assured that the Department of Health, in conjunction with other relevant agencies, are cognisant of the issues raised in this instance and will continue to pursue an inter-agency response to policy and service developments to best tackle eating disorders overall. A key feature of this, obviously, is to promote awareness of the dangers involved among the younger sections of our population.