Law « Thurles Information

Ireland Represented At Ministerial Meeting Of EU Internet Forum in Brussels

EU Internet Forum endorsed a revised EU Online Crisis Response Framework, to enable a joint response to protect users online in times of crisis, and ensure the timely removal of content related to suspected terrorist or violent extremist attacks.
Discussed addressing the emerging threat of nihilistic extremism.
Discussed collective actions to protect minors from being radicalised online.
Exchanged views on innovative approaches to tackling antisemitism and anti-Muslim hatred online.

Mr Niall Collins TD, (Minister of State with special responsibility for International Law, Law Reform and Youth Justice), represented Ireland at a Ministerial Meeting of the EU Internet Forum in Brussels yesterday.

The EU Internet Forum (EUIF) was launched by the Commission in December 2015 and addresses the misuse of the internet for terrorist purposes through two main actions:

reducing accessibility to terrorist content online
increasing the volume of effective alternative narratives online

The Forum’s activities also cover the fight against child sexual abuse online (since 2019), drug trafficking online and trafficking in human beings online (since 2022).

The Forum brings together relevant EU Ministers, technology companies and experts to discuss and advance responses to terrorism, violent extremism and illegal content online.

At the meeting, Ministers endorsed a revised EU Online Crisis Response Framework for the rapid removal of online content relating to terrorist attacks. This new Framework builds on the EU Internet Forum Protocol which was developed in the aftermath of the Christchurch terrorist attack in 2019, footage of which circulated widely online at the time.

The new Framework includes additional measures to enable Member States’ law enforcement authorities to share early warning alerts with other EU Internet Forum members in case of a suspected terrorist or violent extremist attack. This will allow for better monitoring and quicker action in case the situation develops into an online crisis.

The meeting also contained two round table discussions, the first of which opened with a presentation by Professor Ms Maura Conway (Dublin City University and member of the EU Knowledge Hub Research Committee) on the threat landscape and risks to minors stemming from terrorism and violent extremism online.

Increasingly, these risks are interlinked with other harms, such as exploitation, self-harm, child sexual abuse and recruitment into organised crime. The presentation served as an introduction for the round table discussion on innovative actions and cooperation to better protect children online.

The second round table session opened with a presentation by Ms Sasha Havlicek, [Co-Founder and CEO of the Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD)], on the increase of anti-Semitism and anti-Muslim hatred online. Ministers and industry representatives then discussed actions being taken and required to effectively tackle this issue.

Thurles Gardaí Shut Down Over 500 Suspected Illegal IPTV Accounts.

Gardaí Shut Down Over 500 Suspected Illegal IPTV Accounts Following Thurles Search Operation.

An Garda Síochána has confirmed that more than 500 accounts, suspected of accessing illegal TV streaming services, have been shut down following an intelligence-led operation conducted in Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

Gardaí searched a domestic residence in the Thurles area on Monday, March 2nd 2026, as part of an operation targeting the alleged provision of illegal streaming services and money laundering offences.

During the search, electronic devices were seized for examination. No arrests have been made at this time. However, a file is being prepared for submission to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Background.
Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) delivers TV content over broadband or internet connections. The use of unauthorised IPTV services, often accessed through modified streaming devices commonly referred to as “dodgy boxes”, which may constitute a copyright offence under Irish law.

Under Section 140 of the Copyright and Related Rights Act 2000, certain copyright offences can carry significant penalties, including fines and imprisonment upon conviction on indictment.

Wider Context.
In separate reporting, Ireland’s Data Protection Commission (DPC) has confirmed it has been engaging with Sky regarding the company’s efforts to tackle illegal streaming, including the proposed use of personal data in anti-piracy activity, subject to data protection requirements.

Tipperary Co. Co. Introduce Security Measures at Public Buildings in Clonmel.

Tipperary County Council has introduced additional security measures at two public buildings in Clonmel following incidents of anti-social behaviour.

Security personnel have been deployed at Clonmel Library and the Motor Tax Office at Town Hall, Parnell Street, in order to support a safe environment for members of the public and staff using these services.

The Council has said it has a duty of care to ensure that public facilities remain welcoming and secure, and that the matter has been brought to the attention of An Garda Síochána.

These arrangements have been put in place as a preventative measure and will continue to be monitored. The Council will keep the situation under review and will adjust security and operational measures as appropriate in the coming weeks.

Tipperary County Council thanks the public for their understanding and cooperation and encourages anyone who witnesses anti-social behaviour at public facilities to report it to An Garda Síochána.

Charter Operation To South Africa Effecting Deportation Orders Confirmed.

Completion of a charter operation to South Africa to effect deportation orders confirmed.

The Irish government has confirmed the completion of a charter operation to South Africa.

63 people, consisting of 54 adults and 9 children, have been removed from Ireland by charter flight. The children removed were part of family units.

The flight departed Dublin Airport at 5:05pm on Saturday, February 28th 2026 and landed in Johannesburg shortly after 4:00am this morning, Sunday 1, March 2026 (Irish time).

This is the second charter operation this year, and the eighth since the recommencement of charter flights to effect removals and deportation orders in 2025.

Charter flights provide an alternative to commercial flights and can be more appropriate in circumstances when a group of individuals are being removed to the same destination. Charter flights increase the options available to An Garda Síochána to effect orders.

The returnees were accompanied on the flight by members of An Garda Síochána, medical staff, an interpreter and a human rights observer.

Further charter operations will be conducted throughout 2026.

In-Service Drug & Alcohol Testing For Garda Members Being Finalised.

Department of Justice is Finalising Regulations to Enable In-Service Drug and Alcohol Testing for Garda Members.

The Department of Justice has confirmed it is finalising regulations required to enable the testing of serving members of An Garda Síochána for drugs and alcohol. Once the regulatory framework is completed, it will be open to An Garda Síochána to implement an in-service testing regime.

The move follows continued focus on strengthening anti-corruption safeguards within the organisation, including recommendations set out in the Garda Síochána Inspectorate’s 2020 report on countering internal corruption.

The Policing and Community Safety Authority (PCSA) has this week published a review of progress on the 2020 report’s recommendations, finding that 56% of the 34 recommendations have been implemented or partially implemented to date.

PCSA review highlights.
The PCSA noted progress in several key areas, including:

The formation and resourcing of the Garda Anti-Corruption Unit (GACU), and new policies addressing abuse of power for sexual gain and professional boundaries.
A prohibition on acceptance of gifts or hospitality from covert human intelligence sources (CHIS).
Strong support among members for reform measures, including in-service vetting (supported by 83% in a survey referenced by the PCSA).

The PCSA also highlighted areas where further action is needed, including the absence of a policy and supporting technology to detect and prevent misuse of Garda IT systems, and ongoing concerns regarding compliance with rules on gifts, hospitality and sponsorship.

Regulation drafting “complex” and at an advanced stage:
The Department of Justice has previously indicated that regulations underpinning an in-service drugs testing scheme are complex and require detailed consideration, and that drafting work is now at an advanced stage and expected to be finalised.

Engagement with Garda leadership:
The PCSA has said the review will be discussed at a public meeting between the Authority and the Garda Commissioner on today, (Thursday, 26th February 2026).