I propose to take Questions Nos. 69 and 70 together.
The Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill, which was published in September 2015, includes measures to significantly strengthen existing criminal law in combatting child exploitation and, in particular, address the use of modern communication technologies as a tool which may lead to child sexual exploitation. The Bill has completed passage through Seanad Éireann and is awaiting Report Stage in Dáil Éireann. It is expected that the Bill will be enacted in early 2017.
In September 2016 the Law Reform Commission published its
Report on Harmful Communications and Digital Safety. The Commission noted the positive benefits to society of every increasing interconnectedness as well as the negative aspects of this, and the emerging trends to engage in online communications that cause significant harm to others. It is my intention to bring proposals to Government in relation to the criminal law aspects of the Law Reform Commission's Report very shortly.
In ongoing support for safe internet usage, my Department's Office for Internet Safety produces a range of supports and materials, including booklets aimed at parents and teachers which are available on the website www.internetsafety.ie and in 2016 almost 40,000 hard copy booklets have been distributed.
Finally, the Deputy may also be aware that the Garda Schools Programme is very active in delivering talks to children in both primary and secondary schools on many aspects of safety including online safety.