Committee chairman mulls discussions on porn filters

The Oireachtas Communications Committee could discuss the possibility of having an automatic filter to block adult material online.

It comes after the UK announced plans for a nationwide system which forces users to tell their internet provider if they want to be able to access internet pornography.

Committee chairman John O'Mahony has said he wants to hold hearings after the Dáil summer break on whether the idea could work here.

"Following on from a report on cyberbullying last week, I think that it would be suitable for holding public hearings with the interested stakeholders and the industry, to see what way we can move forward on the issue," he said.

Junior Health Minister Alex White said the Government must support any measures which stop children from being exposed to material that could damage their development.

However he said any plan to automatically block internet porn could be seen as a breach of civil liberties.

"There are concerns about state censorship and interference with freedom of speech if official agencies are given powers to effect these measures," he said.

"These are genuine and legitimate concerns."