Written answers

Tuesday, 22 May 2018

Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment

Internet Safety

Photo of Róisín ShortallRóisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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474. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the promised digital safety commissioner; his plans to make the appointment by the end of 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22386/18]

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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The Deputy will be aware that on Thursday 22 February 2018 the Government did not oppose a Private Members Bill introduced by Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire which sought to establish an office of a Digital Safety Commissioner.  Following the second stage debate, the Bill was referred by the Dáil to the Select Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment.

In order to progress the issue of online safety for children and all citizens I convened a meeting with my colleagues the Minister for Justice and Equality and the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs on November 21 2017. It was agreed at that meeting that an Open Policy Debate would be the most appropriate way to progress the issue and ensure a coherent cross departmental Government approach. 

On 8 March 2018, I hosted this debate at the Royal Hospital Kilmainhan which was opened by An Taoiseach. Over 120 representatives from a range of stakeholders participated, including NGOs, industry, parents' groups and young people. The event was supported by five other Ministers and organised in conjunction with the Department of Justice and Equality; Education and Skills; Health; Business Enterprise and Innovation; Children and Youth Affairs.

An Taoiseach announced that the Government would prepare an action plan on online safety. My Department is actively contributing to the preparation of that plan, and a report on the Open Policy Debate will form one of the inputs to the plan.

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