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On Thursday 4 October, the first meeting of the National Advisory Council for Online Safety, chaired by Minister of State Seán Kyne was held in Dublin. 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 first meeting, Minister Kyne said

I am delighted that the first meeting of the Council is taking place and we can begin this extremely important work. I want to thank the members for accepting the Government’s invitation to take part, and I look forward to working with each of them in what is an extremely challenging area.

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

The Council’s terms of reference and Membership are attached.