Jim O'Keeffe
Question:22 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the proposals, if any, he has to outlaw the availability of child pornography on the Internet. [6802/00]
Written Answers. - Child Pornography.
The serious problem of child pornography on the Internet is one which involves a wide range of complex legal and technical issues. A Working Group on the Illegal and Harmful Use of the Internet established by my Department recommended in 1998 the introduction of a system of self-regulation by the Internet service provider industry as the most appropriate response to these issues. Specifically, in relation to child pornography, the group recommended the establishment of a public hotline for reporting child pornography and the setting up of an Internet advisory board to monitor and oversee the system of self-regulation.
Much progress has been made in implementing these recommendations of the working group. In November last, the service provider industry, with assistance from my Department, established a national public hotline to process complaints of child pornography on the Internet. The Internet Advisory Board has also now been established and is due to hold its inaugural meeting later this week.
As the Deputy will be aware, the problem of child pornography on the Internet is essentially an international one and while domestic initiatives can and will be taken, this international dimension is critical. Officials from my Department do, accordingly, play an active role at European and international fora in designing and supporting initiatives which address this problem.
The Child Trafficking and Pornography Act which I introduced in 1998 is also an essential element in ensuring that the full rigour of the law will be brought to bear on those who are involved in child pornography activities on the Internet within this jurisdiction. The gardaí are involved on an ongoing basis with the investigation of child pornography offences under this Act.