Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 October 2012
129. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources the extent to which he has become aware of the existence of cyber bullying here; if the service providers can be approached with a view to combatting the problem nationally or through the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44027/12]
View answerAs Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources I have overall responsibility for electronic communications policy, but I have no responsibility in relation to the actions of persons conducting bullying or intimidation activities over electronic communications networks.
Malevolent Internet activity falls within the remit of my colleague the Minister for Justice and Equality and I would draw the Deputy’s attention to the Office for Internet Safety established by that Department in 2008.
I would also refer the Deputy to www.webwise.ie. Webwise is the Irish Internet Safety Awareness Centre, which is funded by the Department of Education and Skills and the EU Safer Internet Programme. This website provides information and resources to help ensure that children’s on-line activity is positive and safe.
My Department, in conjunction with the Department of Justice and Equality, the authorities in Northern Ireland and private sector companies, operates a recurring public awareness campaign called "Make IT Secure" to raise awareness of issues surrounding Internet access and security. The most recent campaign was launched in June this year.
Finally, as the Deputy may be aware, legislation is already in place to prosecute the issue of nuisance and criminal phone calls, and the sending of pornographic images by mobile phones.
- It is an offence under Section 13 of the Post Office (Amendment) Act, 1951, as amended, to send by phone any message or other matter, which is grossly offensive, or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character.
- Also it is an offence under Section 10 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997 to harass a person by use of a telephone.
The investigation of these offences is a matter for the Garda Síochána.
