Vol. 499 No. 3
306 Mr. P. Carey asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform whether consideration has been given to mechanisms to limit the availability of information on child pornography through the Internet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2756/99]
A Working Group on the Illegal and Harmful Use of the Internet set up in my Department and consisting of representatives from both the public and private sectors, submitted their first report last July. In a detailed report which highlighted a wide range of complex technical and legal issues surrounding the problem of child pornography on the Internet, the group made a large number of recommendations including the establishment of a system of self-regulation by the service provider industry. Discussions with the industry in this regard are ongoing.
I might add that the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act which I introduced last year is also an essential element in ensuring that the full rigour of the law will be brought to bear on those who are involved in child pornography activities on the Internet within this jurisdiction.
