The Seanad is to debate a bill that would change the term "child pornography" to "child sexual exploitation material" in Irish law.
The Private Members' Bill is being tabled by Senator Eileen Flynn, who said the current language is inappropriate.
"In Ireland we tend to cover up a lot of stuff and not be honest about what is going on. Child pornography is abuse, it is exploitation. We need to name it for what it is," she said.
"Language defines our understanding, it spreads through the community and, as a Traveller woman, I know that language can create so much inequality and racism," she added.
The bill, which is being supported by the Seanad's Civil Engagement Group, would change the wording in any previous legislation.
Senator Flynn said she hopes it will get the backing of Government parties.
If it passes in the Seanad, she said, it should be pushed through the Dáil over the coming weeks, rather than drifting in to next year.
