Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 May 2004
44 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the action he has taken to tackle the growing problem of pornographic images being sent to children through mobile phone texting systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13624/04]
View answerAs I stated on 24 February last in reply to a similar question, my colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, is responsible for policy in regard to the protection of children from the transmission of pornographic images by phones and other media.
I understand the Deputy's concern over the recent media reports of pornographic images being sent via mobile phones, however, legislation already exists to tackle this problem.
It is an offence under section 13 of the Post Office (Amendment) Act 1951, as amended by the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act 1983, to send by phone any message or other matter which is grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character. It is also an offence under section 10 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997 to harass a person by use of a telephone.
Anyone who has information about these matters should bring it immediately to the attention of the Garda Síochána for criminal investigation.
While, as I previously stated, legislation is in place, I cannot emphasise enough the role of parents in decisions concerning the purchase and use of mobile phones by their children. They should ensure that they are used appropriately by their children. This, ultimately, is the best way of safeguarding their children from the perils of abuse of such technology.
