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Minister Canney chairs second meeting of the National Advisory Council for Online Safety

The second meeting of the National Advisory Council for Online Safety took place on Thursday 22 November, chaired by Minister of State Seán Canney who has succeeded Minister of State Seán Kyne in the role.
The Council, established by Government on foot of the Action Plan for Online Safety 2018-2019, has a membership of twenty from a range of stakeholder groups and sectors including representatives of children’s and parents’ organisations, major online platforms and experts on online matters.
The Council is tasked with providing advice to Government on Online Safety policy issues; identifying emerging issues where Government intervention may be warranted; inputting into clear and easy to understand Online Safety guidance materials for all internet users; and reviewing national and international research and disseminating key findings to Government, stakeholders, and the wider public.
Speaking in advance of the this morning’s meeting, Minister Canney said “I am delighted to take on the role of chair of this Council, which forms a core part of the Government’s Action Plan for Online Safety. The Action Plan outlines the whole of Government approach which is being taken to one of the most important policy issues we are facing today. The safety of our citizens online, but especially the most vulnerable groups including our children is a key priority for this Government. I look forward to working with the Members of the Council to provide advice to Government on the wide ranging policy areas which are encompassed in Online Safety, and to progress the work programme of the Council in relation to guidance and research.”


Note for Editors:

The Action Plan for Online Safety, launched by the Taoiseach in July sets out 25 actions to be implemented by six Government Departments over the next 12-18 months. The establishment of the National Advisory Council was one of these actions. Full details in relation to the plan, and a range of online safety resources can be found at www.gov.ie/besafeonline

Membership and terms of reference are available here https://www.dccae.gov.ie/en-ie/communications/topics/Internet-Policy/online-safety/national-advisory-council-/Pages/The-National-Advisory-Council-for-Online-Safety-(NACOS).aspx