Latest news with #ChildTraffickingandPornographyAct1998
Irish Examiner
a day ago
- Politics
- Irish Examiner
Legislation to update child sex abuse material terminology should be a 'no-brainer', says senator
Legislation to change terminology around the portrayal of child sex abuse material online will come before the Seanad this week. The Child Trafficking and Child Sexual Exploitation Material (Amendment) Bill 2022 will be voted on at third stage in the Seanad on Wednesday. It seeks to replace the term "child pornography" in legislation including the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act 1998 and the Child Trafficking and Pornography (Amendment) Act 2004. One of the sponsors of the bill, senator Eileen Flynn, said the legislation should be a 'no-brainer for the Government', adding that bringing it in will not cost money and will 'have a dramatic impact on the victims, the children". Ms Flynn says the use of the term 'child pornography' implies that consent has been given, which a child is not in a position to give, she said. Reflective of reality She said the term 'child sexual abuse material' is more reflective of the reality, and she believes that Irish law should echo that. She also pointed to the Luxembourg guidelines, accepted by a group of 18 organisations including the UN, which advocate that nations should replace 'child pornography' with 'child sexual abuse material'. Mecpaths, an organisation which works to raise awareness of child trafficking in Ireland, has been supportive of the bill since its introduction three years ago. The organisation's networks and communications manager, JP O'Sullivan, said: 'The recognition of images of child sexual abuse for what they are is a significant step in acknowledging the harm, the abuse, and the exploitation of children. "A child can never consent to their own exploitation, so a change in the terminology is crucial for the State in recognising this. We commend the senator for her efforts, and call on the support of all professionals working with vulnerable children to lend their support to this change."
Irish Independent
06-05-2025
- Irish Independent
KWETB official pleads guilty to possessing child abuse material
Bernard Morley (49) of Coolnakilly, Glenealy, Co Wicklow was listed to go on trial before Wicklow Circuit Criminal Court this week in relation to a charge for the possession of child pornography. However, the accused's counsel, Ronan Kennedy SC, said his client could be arraigned during a sitting of the court on Tuesday when Mr Morley's name was called out. Mr Morley, who works in the further education division of Kildare and Wicklow ETB, pleaded guilty to a single charge of possession of child abuse material contrary to Section 6 (1) of the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act 1998. The court heard the offence related to the possession of one video and three images on dates between January 22, 2023 and April 23, 2023. Mr Kennedy said he wished to obtain a number of reports for his client in advance of a sentencing date. Judge Patrick Quinn remanded the accused on continuing bail to October 8 when a date for a sentencing hearing will be fixed.
Irish Daily Mirror
06-05-2025
- Irish Daily Mirror
Education and Training official pleads guilty to child abuse material possession
An official with Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board has pleaded guilty to possession of child abuse material. Bernard Morley, 49, of Coolnakilly, Glenealy, Co Wicklow, was listed to go on trial before Wicklow Circuit Criminal Court this week in relation to a charge for the possession of child pornography. However, the accused's counsel, Ronan Kennedy SC, said his client could be arraigned during a sitting of the court on Tuesday when Mr Morley's name was called out. Mr Morley, who works in the further education division of Kildare and Wicklow ETB, pleaded guilty to a single charge of possession of child abuse material contrary to Section 6 (1) of the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act 1998. The court heard the offence related to the possession of one video and three images on dates between January 22, 2023 and April 23, 2023. Mr Kennedy said he wished to obtain a number of reports for his client in advance of a sentencing date. Judge Patrick Quinn remanded the accused on continuing bail to October 8 when a date for a sentencing hearing will be fixed. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
