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Protection of Children from Online Pornography Bill To Be Introduced In The Dáil Today

Aontú will introduce the Protection of Children Bill to the Dáil today. The Bill will be introduced and discussed at 1st stage in the Dáil. The Bill will make the online provision of pornography by internet companies to children illegal.


According to Teachta Tóibín:


“The danger that the proliferation of online pornography poses to our children is one that has gone unchecked for far too long. The proliferation of pornography in just that last few years in Ireland has been immense.


Today eight and nine year olds have access to hard core explicit materials that would have been illegal to be viewed by adults just a generation ago. Research at the School of Psychology, NUI Galway has shown that almost 60% of teenage boys living in Ireland see porn before the age of 13. Pornography has become so easily accessible that many parents feel it is virtually impossible for them to exercise control over what their children are consuming.”


“Access to pornography is sexualising children at a far younger age. It can radically alter their perceptions of sex, their own understandings of healthy relationships and can lead to physical and mental health problems. In certain cases it can lead to addiction. Pornography often contains scenes of violence and aggression. There is significant evidence showing that some young children viewing this kind of material will act it out on other children. Research also indicates that pornography can lead to violence against women and children. Indeed, we know of children who have been exposed to thousands of highly graphic images have been involved in aggravated sexual assault and murder.


“FF and FG in government has dragged its feet with regards banning the provision of this material to children. We in Aontú have drafted a bill that is a first step in the right direction. Our Bill will force the government to make regulations that ensure that children in the state cannot view pornographic material on the internet. Our bill also deals with enforcement of the law and offence provisions. We urge other political parties to ensure that this Bill can make it through the Oireachtas.”

By Aontú Press | 17 November, 2020



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In Ireland the vast majority of elected representatives put a finger in the air to check which way the political wind is blowing. They have one eye on their leaders – seeking brownie points – and another eye keeping their seat safe. If elected reps shut up and do as they’re told, they are promoted; if they stand up for what they believe in, they are demoted. No wonder we have the political class we have. No wonder one point one billion euro is being buried in a hole under the National Children’s Hospital and that Stormont is in stalemate.



Throughout Ireland, many people are now afraid to say what they feel, many are afraid to respectfully engage on a range of different topics. Many feel there is a new censorship and a new political correctness in Ireland, that opposition to the establishment is being deleted.



Respectful opposition is not the enemy. Respectful opposition is a critical element of a functional democracy. Aontú will have the backbone to stand up, without fear, for you.




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