A local TD has called for the government to strengthen laws that would demonstrate a commitment to zero tolerance for violence against women and children.
Local TD Matt Carthy believes that current laws are not being enforced.
CoCo’s law was passed in 2020, and means that the distribution or sharing of images of another person, without their consent, is a criminal offense.
An amendment to the law will be debated in the Dáil this evening (February 10th)
If passed, it would also extend the statute of limitations from two to five years, which would allow victims plenty of time to come forward.
It would also give An Garda Síochána enough time to forensically technically examine personal electronic devices and servers in order to build a strong case.
Speaking to Northern Sound, Deputy Carthy said that laws are in place, but they aren’t being enforced.
He said: "There are laws in place that I would contend aren't being enforced. If any of us break the law, we don't get a meeting with a minister to discuss whether or not we've broken the law or what sanctions should apply. The law is applied.
"The same should be the same for companies, no matter how large they are. If somebody breaks the law, and is in breach of Irish law, well then they should be held to account for that.
"Our legislation is bringing forward a further tool for government to impose penalties against Grok or those people who misuse apps of that nature," he added.
