Four Ministers to appear before Children & Youth Affairs Committee on issue of cyber security for children

Four Senior Government Ministers will appear before the Committee to brief it on their respective departments’ oversight and policy development role in regards to internet safety.

The agenda for the meeting is as follows:

Session A:

Professor Brian O'Neill, Chair, and Representatives of the Internet Content Governance Advisory Group.

Session B:
•    Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr Katherine Zappone TD;
•    Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Denis Naughton TD;
•    Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton TD;
•    Minister for Justice and Equality, Charles Flanagan TD.

Speaking in advance of the meeting, Committee Chair, Alan Farrell TD, said today, “Adults must play an active part in guiding young people through the dangers posed online. Young people today increasingly use the internet to make friends and live out aspects of their lives. While the internet offers some hugely positive resources and opportunities, it can also be a dangerous place. For that reason, the Committee is continuing its focus on the area of cyber safety for young people. Tomorrow’s meeting is especially significant because four Ministers will appear before the Committee in one session. We have arranged this unique meeting due to the fact that, currently, internet safety is dealt with by a number of different departments - something that is a matter of concern for the Committee.”

“Members will be interested in getting a sense of what the coordinated Government response is on cyber safety. Questions will be asked as to who the lead department is and what the level of cooperation is between departments. In the first session of our meeting, we will discuss the 2014 ICGAG Report. This key report contained a number of recommendations, many of which were addressed to the four departments whose Ministers are appearing before us in the second session.  In order to harness the positive potential of children’s internet use and to limit the potential for harm, steps must be taken to develop regulation and possibly legislation that will safeguard our young people. Our meeting tomorrow is a further step in contributing towards informing policy formation that will help to protect Irish children and young adults into the future.”

The meeting is due to start at 9am in Committee Room 3, Leinster House.

Watch the meeting live here