Written answers

Tuesday, 30 January 2018

Department of Children and Youth Affairs

Advertising Regulation

Photo of Seán SherlockSeán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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555. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her views on the increasing use of children and minors to advertise commercial products through television, radio and online. [3990/18]

Photo of Katherine ZapponeKatherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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While my Department has no role in the regulation of advertising or broadcasting on any of the media to which he refers, I would be concerned of advertising that involves the use of children in an exploitative manner or anything that risks the safety and welfare of children. I know there are controls in place with regard to broadcast media on radio and television but I believe that regulating online activity, including advertising, presents the greatest challenge for us today. I have discussed this with other Ministers and believe the response requires a whole of government approach in partnership with all stakeholders. The Minister for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment, Denis Naughten, is taking a lead role in organising an open policy debate on internet safety for children in early March 2018 with support and participation from my Department, the Departments of Justice and Equality; Business, Enterprise and Innovation; Education and Skills and Health. Representatives from industry, NGOs and stakeholders will also participate. The overall aim of the event is to raise awareness among all participants of the activities which are being undertaken by the Irish Government, the EU, industry, NGOs and others and to identify gaps where further action is required and areas where further cooperation between stakeholders is possible. This will help develop and finalise Government policy on this important and timely issue.

If the Deputy has a particular concern in this matter in which case he might write to me with further details.

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