Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 January 2018
527. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of his Department's progress in implementing the recommendations of the Internet content governance advisory group. [4628/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Internet Content Governance Advisory Group (ICGAG) report's recommendations set the context for the meeting I had with my colleagues, the Minister for Justice and Equality and the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs on 21 November last on Internet Safety for Children.
Out of 30 recommendations made in the ICGAG report, 14 relate to the transfer and further development of functions currently in the Department of Justice and Equality to the Department of Children & Youth Affairs, which has not progressed. Progress has been made in respect of a number of the other recommendations, most notably in relation to education and awareness-raising measures. Further progress will be made through the implementation of the revision of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive, which is expected to be agreed at European level later this year.
Given the amount of time that has passed since the ICGAG report's publication; the range of additional proposals which have been made by various bodies and organisations; the number of initiatives underway in this area at a European level, across many Government Departments and by industry, NGOs and stakeholders, it was agreed at our meeting on 21 November that the most appropriate way to progress digital safety in the short term was by organising an Open Policy Debate on the subject.
My Department is coordinating this event, with the support and participation of the Departments of Justice and Equality; Business, Enterprise and Innovation; Education and Skills; Health, and Children and Youth Affairs.
The issue of Digital Safety is a complex and multifaceted one and effective actions in this area rely on active engagement and a joined up approach from all stakeholders including Government, technology companies and parents.
With this in mind, all the stakeholders with an interest in this area, have been invited to the event which will be held on 8 March 2018 in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham. It is hoped that the outcome of the event will be to identify any improvements necessary in the Government's approach in this area, including the progression of the Digital Safety Commission, and practical next steps which can be taken to address this subject.
