Hate speech and EU deadline
Deputy Tóibín argues hate speech laws threaten free expression and asks what Ireland will tell the European Union about compliance. The Chair twice calls time, and the Minister says the Minister for Justice will reply to any Commission communication and that balance between expression and harm matters.
Less than a year ago the Government made a U-turn on hate speech. The Tánaiste, Deputy Harris, overruled the former Minister for justice and made a pragmatic decision. Unlike this House, the majority of Irish people oppose any censorship laws. There was some sniggering in the Chamber a little while ago when a speaker suggested that hate speech could be turned against political parties in this House. Many Members are foolish in thinking that hate speech is for other people.
The hate speech laws are a threat to the right, the centre and the left. They are a threat to democracy. I will give an example of that. The Israeli foreign minister accused the Tánaiste, Deputy Harris, of hate speech. He said Simon Harris was guilty of being anti-Semitic. Right through Europe at the moment, pro-Palestinian activists are being clamped down on. The German police violently broke up pro-Palestinian marches. Pro-Palestinian protesters in universities in the Netherlands have been arrested. As the Minister knows, Ireland has a very different view to most Europe countries on the slaughter that is happening in Gaza at the moment.
Comment on this
It is really important that the Government gives a strong answer. The European Union has given the Government just until Monday to comply with European law when it comes to hate speech. That is only four or five days away.
Comment on this
What is the Government's answer to the European Union in terms of complying with that law?
Comment on this
The Minister, Deputy Jim O'Callaghan, will reply to any communication that we have received from the European Commission on this matter. When he has decided on the appropriate response, I am sure he will be able to come to the Dáil and answer questions in relation to it. I see him in the Dáil and Seanad virtually every day.
I did not hear any sniggering when the issue was raised earlier. Anybody who sits beside me over here is well aware of the importance of this issue, and getting the balance right between freedom of expression and being conscious of the consequences of hate speech. I know that balance will be maintained in any engagement we have with the Commission on this topic.