Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 December 2013
182. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality in view of the recent report of the Law Reform Commission in relation to the issue of online harassment and its opinion regarding the effectiveness of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, if he will consider the introduction of new legislation similar to that which has recently been adopted in New Zealand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52335/13]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware the Law Reform Commission published its Fourth Programme of Law Reform on 27 November, 2013. This Programme contains 11 projects, one of which is entitled "Crime affecting personal safety, privacy and reputation, including cyber-bullying". The project will involve an analysis of harmful behaviour in this area and will examine whether a specific offence of cyber-bullying should be enacted. I look forward to considering the recommendations of the Law Reform Commission on this issue when its Report has been concluded. In the circumstances it would be premature to consider the introduction of legislation in advance of this analysis and examination.
