The Government is refusing to back a scheme which would create a default block on internet pornography to protect children.

The move is being rolled out in the UK, after Prime Minister David Cameron accepted the recommendations made by a commission report on the issue.

However, Communications Minister Pat Rabbitte (pictured) has poured cold water on the idea being introduced here, saying that it was not a priority, the Irish Independent reports.

The anti-pornography web filter technology, aimed at all home broadband connections, is being sought in Britain as part of an initiative to prevent children from seeing adult-oriented imagery.

The plan was introduced after a report from a leading family charity which warned

But the Government here is unlikely to follow suit, despite support for the British position from some child-welfare advocates in Ireland.

“This isn’t something that’s being prioritised by the Government here,” Mr Rabbitte said.

“Illegality is different and if we see an effective strategy against that on our neighbouring island then we might look at that. But as it is, it’s not something we’re focusing on as a priority.”

Some children’s rights campaigners are in favour of the web filters, however.

“Any measure which would help protect children from inappropriate early sexualisation is to be welcomed,” said Maria Corbett, acting chief executive of the Children’s Rights Alliance.

“However, no one measure alone can make the internet a safe place for children. The most important thing parents can do is to communicate with their children about their internet use and safety online.”

But Mr Rabbitte’s approach was welcomed by Internet Service Provider (ISP) companies and their representatives.

“We’re happy to hear this approach from the Government,” said Paul Durrant, general manager of the Internet Service Providers’ Association of Ireland.

In the UK, the Government is vigourously pursuing the issue. On Tuesday, the British government sent letters to UK internet service providers demanding a commitment to making anti-pornography web filters a default measure on all home broadband connections.

The internet porn filter is the centrepiece of a strategy developed on foot of a report by Reg Bailey, chief executive of the Mothers’ Union charity, which warned that childhood was being wrecked by web pornography, sexual TV and advertising content and suggestive clothes for youngsters.

Mr Bailey told the Government that radical steps were needed to stem the flow.

Other moves include restrictions on billboards plastered with images of scantily-clad models and aggressive advertising campaigns and a new website called Parentport on which parents can complain about any TV programme, advertisement, product or service they feel is inappropriate for children.

Mr  Cameron wants the Parentport website to help keep any infringements in check. Ed Richards, chief executive of Ofcom, said: “Seven UK media regulators have come together to develop a single website with a single aim – to help protect children from inappropriate material.

“Each regulator shares this common purpose and is committed to helping parents make their views and concerns known.

“We have already tested the website with parents and the feedback has been positive.

“We will keep listening to parents and intend to develop the site in light of further feedback.”