The Office for Internet Safety has been established by the Government to take a lead responsibility for internet safety in Ireland, particularly as it relates to children.
However, it is important for all of us to be vigilant and alert to the potential risks associated with the use and misuse of modern technologies. In this context, individual schools have the capacity to filter the content of what is accessible through the Schools Broadband Network. This allows teachers to use the Internet for teaching and learning in a manner that reduces the risk of pupils accessing inappropriate content. My Department also funds the Webwise initiative which focuses on raising the skills and understanding around Internet safety at school and in the home. The Deputy will be aware that tackling the issue of bullying in schools is a key objective of this Government. It was for that reason that an Anti-Bullying Forum was held earlier this year.
As a follow on to that Forum, I invited the stakeholders and any other interested parties to submit their views on this important topic to my Department by 29th June 2012. As part of this consultation, interested parties were requested to indicate their views and proposals on any changes to existing practices and policies in schools that could improve how bullying can be tackled in schools.