Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
2309. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if her attention has been drawn to recommendation CM/Rec(2018)7 of the Committee of Ministers to member states on guidelines to respect, protect and fulfil the rights of the child in the digital environment; the action her Department will take to meet the five recommendations contained therein; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32482/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra2310. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when her Department will examine the implementation of recommendation CM/Rec(2018)7 of the Committee of Ministers to member states on guidelines to respect, protect and fulfil the rights of the child in the digital environment and the guidelines in its appendix; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32484/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra2311. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when her Department will review its legislation, policies and practice to ensure that they are in line with a recommendation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32485/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 2309 to 2311, inclusive, together.
With regard to the Council of Europe Recommendations the Deputy refers to it is a matter for each member state of the Council of Europe to implement policies and legislation to protect children online.
While I do not have lead Ministerial policy responsibility for online safety, I however, have significant responsibilities, as part of a cross-Government approach, in ensuring that the internet is a safer place for children.
With regard to online safety, the Taoiseach recently launched the Government’s Action Plan for Online Safety.
The actions contained in the plan cut across various Government Departments including my own, underlying the range and breadth of the issues involved. The plan is based around five goals; Online Safety for All; Better Supports; Stronger Protections; Influencing Policy and Building Our Understanding.
In the area of child protection, the Children First Act, 2015 places statutory obligations on organisations providing relevant services to children including the preparation of a Child Safeguarding Statement. My Department will be amending the Children First Guidance to include a specific reference to online safety in the preparation of the Statement before the end of the second quarter of 2019.
It is also important to ensure that the voices of children and young people are heard and acted upon when we make decisions on internet safety. In this context my Department undertakes and supports a wide range of consultation and participation processes with children and young people through Dáil na nÓg and Comhairle na nÓg.
My Department also provides funding to three national youth organisations which provide on-line safety resources for the youth sector. They are the National Youth Council of Ireland, Spunout - Ireland's Youth Information website, and Youth Work Ireland.
Parents play a crucial role in ensuring that children are safe online. Providing information and services to parents is part of the role of my Department, particularly through the Child and Family Agency, and through community and voluntary sector organisations.
This will be a key focus for my Department in the coming years.
Through the Action Plan for Online Safety the Government will work with stakeholders to implement actions that are achievable and which will have the greatest impact on online safety for everyone. I am fully committed to playing my part in a co-ordinated cross-Government approach to address this important issue, particularly as it relates to children.
