The Communications Minister says efforts will be made to track down people who bullied and harassed candidates in the recent elections online.

Pat Rabbitte says his Cabinet colleagues have asked him and the Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald to pursue the matter to identify the sources.

He made the comments at the publication of a new report containing 30 recommendations to improve internet safety.

Minister Rabbitte says there was selective targeting of candidates for abuse and intimidation which is not acceptable in a democratic society.

It comes as the government is to implement a range of measures to improve online safety.

The Internet Content Governance Advisory group (ICGA) has published a report with the recommendations.

The proposals deal with issues of bullying and harassment on the web and the inappropriate viewing of content unsuitable for minors.

The ICGA recommends the establishment of a new National Council for Child Internet Safety, and a reconfiguration of the Office of Internet Safety.