I have no function in the matter raised by the Deputy.
The Irish Cellular Industry Association, ICIA, which represents the country's mobile phone operators and manufacturers, announced a trial of content filtering software for mobile networks in June 2004. As this is a trial by a group of private operators in a fully liberalised market, it would not be appropriate for me as Minister to comment on whether it may or may not be successful.
In the context of discussions regarding the feasibility of introducing a registration system for the use of pre-paid mobile phones, which I hope to introduce, the ICIA has briefed officials in my Department on the progress of the trials. I am informed that these trials are the world's first ever industry mobile content filtering trial and will test the filtering capability of software for mobile camera phone images, offensive websites and video. The ICIA believes this technological solution will successfully counteract the transmission of offensive images and will prove an effective deterrent. It is anticipated that test results will be available early next year.
Legislation is already in place to prosecute the issue of nuisance and criminal calls, and the sending of pornographic images by mobile phones. Any additional mechanism that may help protect minors from the transmission of pornographic images by mobile phone is to be welcomed and I look forward to receiving an update on the trial results from the industry.
