Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 May 2013
161. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the action he will take against websites that promote harmful and unhealthy behaviour such as promoting anorexia and bulimia and other eating disorders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21695/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that the internet is global in reach and that, as a consequence, there is very limited scope for regulation by national authorities. National authorities may act only in very specific instances, most notably in relation to sites carrying child pornography.
The Office for Internet Safety in my Department addresses a range of internet safety issues. Its focus is on child pornography and cyberbullying. Its efforts are directed primarily towards information dissemination and awareness raising. It also has oversight of Hotline.ie, the confidential service that receives reports of suspected illegal content and, where appropriate, arranges to have such content removed. I regret that I am not in a position to comment on the specific matters mentioned by the Deputy as they are matters for my colleague, the Minister for Health.
