The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to children (ISPCC) has called on the Government to consider forcing internet providers to block explicit material.

The society thinks Ireland should follow the lead of Britain by asking internet users to tell their providers if they want to be able to access pornography.

British Prime Minister David Cameron is expected to announce the measures later this afternoon.

Family-friendly filters which block pornography will be automatically selected for all new internet customers, though people will be able to choose whether to switch them off.

Internet providers will also contact millions of existing customers and ask them to decide whether to activate filters to stop children accessing unsuitable material.

National Childline Manager Margie Roe said it is something the Government should also look at.

"Yes it's definitely something that should be taken seriously and given serious consideration" she said.

"I think all of us want to ensure that children are safe online and not exposed to any material that might be upsetting or traumatic - or just not appropriate for their age," she added.

Possessing violent pornography containing simulated rape scenes will be made a crime in England and Wales, while Mr Cameron will also set out plans for new laws so that videos streamed online in the UK are subject to the same restrictions as those sold in shops.