Ministers Launch Joint Online Safety Campaign

Labour TD for Galway West, Derek Nolan and Senator Lorraine Higgins from Galway East have together launched an online safety campaign which will take place in schools across their constituencies in the coming weeks.

Speaking at the campaign launch, Deputy Nolan said: "I am glad that the Minister for Communications, Pat Rabbitte has agreed to invite submissions from the public on the very serious issue of cyber-bullying, and to establish a group to combat it. This campaign will inform that work.

"This is a matter that I have worked closely on since being elected in 2011 and I am pleased that young people, parents and teachers across the country will now have the opportunity to submit their own views on addressing this form of bullying.

"This issue can only be tackled and resolved properly if we hear the views of young people who are experiencing this type of aggressive online behaviour. Young people are the ones who are predominantly affected by this issue so their voices and opinions must be heard and heeded. Parents are often unaware of the problem, the technology involved or how to offer support."

Senator Higgins added: "I too welcome the decision by the Minister to engage closely with the public on this issue.

"Minister Rabbitte established the Internet Content Governance Advisory Group last December to provide him with expert advice in this area, and to ensure that the consultation process is designed to answer as many of the key questions associated with cyber-bullying as possible. It is also in place to identify solutions and to try and tackle this nationwide problem head on.

"The consultation process is a valuable opportunity for people to contribute to the debate about cyber-bullying and more importantly, the advisory group wants to hear from the people who are being directly affected by this kind of online behaviour."

(CD/JP)