Fianna Fáil Senator Jim Glennon has launched a campaign to abolish the transmission of abusive written messages on mobile phones.
Senator Glennon claimed that mobile phone users were being plagued by rude missives - and called for action by the police and telecoms companies.
He said: "The growing popularity of mobile phone SMS messaging services has led to many cases of phone-owners being harassed by callers who get their kicks from sending offending text messages.
"The vast majority of mobile phone owners are probably unaware that they do not have to endure such behaviour and that they can act to seriously address the matter.
"It is illegal under Ireland's Wireless and Telegraphy Act, 1983, to send abusive messages on the SMS network,"
He continued: "So far this year, it is estimated that there has been a 200 per cent increase in the number of text messages being sent in Ireland.
"I would encourage phone companies to now establish how many of their customers have had the unpleasant experience of receiving malicious and abusive text messages and take steps to make them more aware of the options available to them to address the problem."
PA