Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 March 2015
690. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will support the 30 recommendations in the O'Neill report, in respect of online abuse and the protection of children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13086/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis Government is committed to our citizens’ safety both on and offline. It is important that there is a cohesive Government response to coordinating this regulatory function and my Department is at the forefront of this response.
In late 2013, an independent, expert Internet Content Governance Advisory Group (the ICGA Group) was established to report to the then Minister on a range of issues related to online content following a number of incidents. The Group consulted widely with key stakeholders and members of the public and their report, also referred to as the “O’Neill Report”, was approved by Cabinet and published in June 2014. It set out a comprehensive series of structural, legislative and administrative recommendations.
The Government established a Cross-Departmental Implementation Group in July 2014, which is chaired by my Department and attended by representatives from the Departments of Justice and Equality, Children and Youth Affairs, Education and Skills and Health. The Group will report back to Government shortly, and the final report will be published in due course.
