Vol. 482 No. 8
252 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will comment on a media report (details supplied) that his Department is examining legislative instruments to control the Internet; if he will give details of this examination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19562/97]
The only reference to my Department in the media report mentioned by the Deputy relates to the preparation by the Department of legislation on child pornography. This legislation is currently with the Parliamentary Draftsman and I hope to be in a position to bring it to Government shortly. I would point out, however, that while this legislation is intended to embrace child pornography on computer systems, including the Internet, it does not purport to address the issue of controlling the Internet, through legislative instruments, as raised by the Deputy.
Issues relating to the illegal and harmful use of the Internet are, however, being considered by a working group which was established by my Department earlier this year. The group, which consists of representatives from both the private and public sectors, is expected to publish its interim report shortly.
