New hate speech legislation
Deputy Durkan called for legislation to address racism and what he saw as a growing tacit acceptance of it. The Tánaiste said the Government was open to proposals and was already updating incitement to hatred laws.
Traditionally, Ireland has rejected racism in all shapes and forms, and rightly so. However, in recent times there appears to have been a sneaking back into the system and a tacit acceptance of racism. I ask the Tánaiste whether it might be expedient now to introduce legislation to address this issue.
Comment on this
The Government is open to proposals for new legislation in this area. We are already in the process of updating the legislation on incitement to hatred. Potentially, the updating of that legislation by the Minister for Justice may provide the vehicle for new and stronger laws in this area.