Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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289. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 38 of 28 November 2017, if the issue of loot boxes and other in app purchases in video games with a PEGI rating of under 18 years of age can be included in the discussions his departmental officials have undertaken or will undertake in relation to the protection of children online from a cross governmental perspective. [3395/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that the issue raised by her can be included in the discussions referred to between Departmental officials.

As advised by Minister Zappone in parliamentary question number 38 of 28 November 2017, she and I met last November on this issue, together with Minister Naughten.  It was agreed at that meeting that an Open Policy Debate on the issue of online safety would be the most appropriate way to progress further developments in the area.  The key objective of the Open Policy Debate will be to raise awareness of cross-departmental actions already taking place to deal with harmful online content and to identify gaps in the Government’s approach and steps to address them.  The emphasis in the Open Policy Debate will be on children and young people.

I can also advise the Deputy that following on from that meeting, the Department of Communications, Climate Action and the Environment established a Steering Group which has met on two occasions to plan the proposed event.  Officials from my Department, the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, the Department of Health, the Department of Education and Skills and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs are represented on the Steering Group.