Frances Fitzgerald
Ceist:516 Ms F. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Justice the legislative plans, if any, she has to deal with the downloading of pictures of a paedophilic nature from the Internet in Ireland. [16851/96]
Written Answers. - Child Pornography on the Internet.
My Department is, in conjunction with others, as appropriate, continuing to search for effective measures to deal with the problem of child pornography on the Internet. In all countries, efforts are being made to devise a system which will monitor, police and prevent the abuse of the Internet by criminals in all areas including paedophilia. Strategies under consideration by these countries include self-regulation by service providers, which is in use in the UK, and the adoption of legislative measures.
I am currently examining options relating to self-regulation suggested by Irish service providers. However, the option of legislation is also under review but any legislative change would have to be within a framework of agreed action at international level if it is to be effective.