The Justice Minister is encouraging anyone who is being bullied to report it to the Gardaí.

Alan Shatter says our current laws can be used to address the problem even if the bullying is being carried out on-line.

Speaking in the Dáil this evening Minister Shatter said that bullying is a form of harassment and as such falls within the provisions of the Non-fatal Offences against the Person Act 1997.

He said however that he has been made aware of difficulties  in bringing successful prosecutions.

He has therefore asked the Law Reform Commission to examine the law as it currently stands and to make recommendations.

The issue of cyber-bullying has been in the public spotlight in recent weeks after 2 Irish teenage girls took their own lives after they were allegedly bullied on-line.

Responsibility of parents & teachers

“I would urge any one who is the victim of any kind of bullying, including cyber bullying, to report it to the Gardaí” he said.

However, I realise that many may also require assistance in coming to understand and deal with the problem. In that respect, I think it worthwhile to refer to several of the services available from a variety of sources” he added.

He says parents and teachers must develop an awareness of bullying and must be especially aware of how mobile phones and other equipment can be used to intimidate and harass young people.

“I think the law has a role to play and I hope we can increase the effectiveness of our current laws following the deliberations of the Law Reform Commission” he concluded.