21st August 2003

PRESS RELEASE

GREENS CALL FOR LEGISLATION TO OUTLAW 'SPAM'

The Green Party has called on the Government to bring forward legislation to outlaw computer 'spam'. The call came as a computer virus closed down email networks across Ireland today.

"We want the Irish Government to introduce legislation that will prohibit the sending of unsolicited junk or "Spam" e-mail unless it is clearly marked as an unsolicited commercial advertisement and a way is provided for consumers to opt out of future e-mail solicitations" stated Green Party Justice spokesperson, Ciarán Cuffe TD, this afternoon. "Businesses are grinding to a halt due to the amount of spam being distributed."

"The Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources Dermot Ahern TD, is dragging his feet and simply waiting for the European Union to take action. If Ireland is serious about Information Technology we should take the lead and outlaw spamming now. "

"Even the Leinster House computer system ground to a halt today due to this spam virus. Time is money, and the failure to tackle this issue means that the Irish economy suffers."

ENDS