Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 November 2020
403. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the consideration given to the risk of image-based sexual abuse occurring when the HSE issued advice for persons not living together to have sex online to stop the spread of Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39506/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to clarify that I have no function in relation to the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Bill (as amended), responsibility for which lies with the Department of Justice.
I understand from my colleague, the Minister for Justice, that there is a programme for Government commitment to enacting legislation in this area and the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Bill (as amended), is being progressed as a priority. The Bill is scheduled for Committee Stage in the Dáil on 1st December 2020.
Government amendments will deal with the non-consensual distribution of intimate images. It is hoped the Bill can progress through the remaining stages of the parliamentary process at the earliest possible opportunity.
Harassment and abuse in any form, whether online or otherwise, is utterly unacceptable and has no place in Irish society. The Minister for Justice, along with her Government colleagues, is fully committed to tackling abusive behaviour in all forms. The standards of what is unacceptable in an online setting must be consistent with those in traditional settings, and cross government initiatives are underway to address this. Progression of the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Bill is a priority action for the Minister for Justice and Government is committed to seeing it enacted as quickly as possible.
