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Internet Safety Programme.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 June 2004

Tuesday, 29 June 2004

Questions (72)

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

67 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the main features of the safer Internet plan agreed by communications Ministers at their recent meeting, designed to combat child pornography on the net; the way in which the plan will operate here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19207/04]

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Written answers

The safer Internet plus programme 2005-08 is the second of two European Union programmes to promote safer use of the Internet and new on-line technologies, particularly for children, and to fight against illegal content and content unwanted by the end user.

The first action plan covered a four year period from 1 January 1999 to 31 December 2002. It had a budget of €25 million. That programme set up a European network of hotlines for reporting of illegal material, particularly child pornography, encouraged self-regulation and codes of conduct for the Internet industry, supported development of filtering and rating systems and stimulated awareness actions.

The new programme, which will have a budget of €45 million, was agreed by telecommunications Ministers at a Council chaired by me earlier this month. It will continue to promote safer use of the Internet and new on-line technologies particularly for children, and pursue the fight against illegal, harmful or unwanted content, building on the experience from the initial safer Internet programme.

However, the scope will be broadened to include new media, and new issues such as spam. The scope of the programme will expand to include accession countries, with action directed primarily at the end users, parents, educators and children.

The plan is administered by the European Commission's Information Society Directorate General. The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform has primary responsibility for the implementation of the plan in Ireland.

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