Ulster Unionist spokesperson for Children and Young People, Sandra Overend, has called on the Office of the First and deputy First Minister to step up their efforts to improve internet safety in Northern Ireland.
The Mid Ulster MLA said;
‘I welcome the renewed focus on the area of internet safety in light of plans announced by Prime Minister David Cameron today. However, it is important to tackle the root causes of child sexual abuse and that means ensuring that the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) is adequately resourced to carry out their role in policing this type of crime throughout the UK.’
‘At a devolved level I have been calling for some time for a cross departmental internet safety strategy, coordinated by OFMdFM, to ensure that children can enjoy the internet safely and I previously led an Assembly debate on this issue which received cross party support.’
‘Whilst I am pleased that the Department have now completed a gapping and mapping exercise to take stock of actions being undertaken or planned by relevant Ministers I have written to them to request sight of the paper and would urge them to ensure that this piece of work is published as soon as possible.‘
‘I remain disappointed that an Assembly question which I tabled on 3rd July asking the First and deputy First Minister to outline what action they have taken to limit the availability of indecent images of children online remains unanswered.’
‘We must adopt the correct approaches whilst ensuring we do not fall behind the rest of the UK in protecting our children.’