Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 April 2018
196. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the Department that will take the lead role on the development and publication of the action plan on Internet safety; the timeframe for same; the processes that will be involved; if there will be a public consultation; the stakeholders that will be involved in its production; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16881/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra197. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the way in which he will engage with the Internet in the development of his Department’s input into the action plan on Internet safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16882/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra198. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the process by which his Department will develop and contribute draft actions to be considered as part of the action plan on Internet safety to be published in June 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16888/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 196 to 198, inclusive, together.
On 21 November 2017, I convened a meeting with my colleagues the Minister for Justice and Equality and the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs to progress the subject of digital safety for all citizens, especially children. It was agreed at that meeting that an Open Policy Debate would be the most appropriate way to progress the issue and ensure a coherent cross departmental approach.
On 8 March 2018, I hosted this debate at the Royal Hospital Kilmainhan which was opened by An Taoiseach. The event was supported by five other Ministers and organised in conjunction with the Department of Justice and Equality; Education and Skills; Health; Business Enterprise and Innovation; Children and Youth Affairs.
Over 120 representatives from a range of stakeholders participated, including NGOs, online companies, parents' groups and young people.
An Taoiseach announced that the Government would, by June of this year, prepare an action plan on online safety. My Department is actively contributing to the preparation of that plan, which is being currently coordinated by the Department of An Taoiseach. A report on the Open Policy Debate will form one of the inputs to the plan.
