Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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76. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he is satisfied with the progress of the PDST technology in education team and the larger Digital Strategy for Schools 2015-2020 in supporting Internet safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22455/18]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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One of the key objectives of the Digital Strategy for Schools 2015-2020 is to promote responsible and ethical use of the internet and related technologies and to continue to undertake awareness-raising actions and programmes that promote responsible and ethical use of the internet. My Department will shortly publish a circular which will request schools to consult with parents and students to develop policies for the use of smart phones and tablet devices in schools.

My Department is keenly aware of the challenges faced by educators, parents, and children, in relation to online safety and we are keen to support schools in any way we can. The PDST (Technology in Education) is a dedicated team established and funded by the Department to advise and support schools in the area of digital technologies, including issues of internet safety. Information and resources are also available for parents, teachers and children through the Webwise Internet Safety Initiative which promotes the safe use of the internet by young people and raises awareness for parents on the associated risks.

The online safety of children is a matter relevant to many Government Departments, as well as parents and the wider society. This requires a whole of Government approach and my Department is collaborating with these Departments on the development of an Action Plan on Internet Safety led by the Department of An Taoiseach. Ongoing engagement is also maintained the Department of Justice and Equality which has a lead role in coordinating Government policy for internet safety, through the Office for Internet Safety.