Mary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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329. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress made in the past year regarding the banning of a website (details supplied) in view of the anniversary of the death of two young girls who were victims of cyber bullying; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48174/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I think it is necessary, at the outset, to set out some points that are of fundamental significance to any debate on web content and access.

Undoubtedly the web has promoted free speech and the exchange of information and ideas. It would be intolerable to hinder access to or usage of the web for such purposes. However, it is also widely accepted that there is a duty to protect vulnerable persons, especially children, from exposure to damaging content or the misuse of the opportunities for easy communication offered by the web.

We must also unfortunately recognise that the internet's global reach can make the taking of action against offending or offensive websites almost impossible.

National authorities here and elsewhere are taking actions that recognise the balance to be struck between these considerations. Their efforts are directed at counteracting misuse of the internet.

The Global Alliance against Child Sexual Abuse Online, an EU - US initiative launched during the recent Irish Presidency, is a fine example of international cooperation. That initiative is attracting very wide support, well beyond the original signatories.

At national level, my Department, through the Office for Internet Safety, supports a variety of information programmes. The Office makes information available on its website (and on linked sites) as well as through its publications, including one on cyberbullying.

'Filtering' is an approach many parents find helpful in protecting their children from online abuse. The Office also has a very helpful booklet on the topic. I encourage families to contact their service provider, most of whom have filtering available as part of the service.

My colleague, the Minister for Education and Skills has undertaken an extensive awareness raising programme on bullying, including cyberbullying, for use in schools.

While I feel most cases of cyberbullying can be dealt with at the level of the school or the workplace, with the active support of, in particular, parents, I know that in a few cases it may be necessary to invoke the criminal law, but the criminal law can be employed only when victims come forward and assist the Gardaí in building a case against their tormentors.

I recognise that it will be very difficult to eradicate cyberbullying. However, I believe the current strategy based on vigilance and increased awareness will prove to be effective in the longer term.

I am satisfied that the approach that I have outlined here namely information and education rather than bans will ultimately prove to be more effective. I will, of course, be keeping an active interest in developments in this area and will take account of any new approaches that come to light.