‘Legitimate concerns’ over free speech

MICHEÁL Martin has said ‘legitimate’ concerns have been raised about the impact hate-speech legislation would have on freedom of speech.

Although the Tánaiste said the Irish Constitution ‘covers’ freedom of speech, he added that if Justice Minister Helen McEntee proposes amendments to the Bill, it could be re-examined at committee level. The Criminal Justice (Incitement to Violence or Hatred and Hate Offences) Bill 2022 passed through the Dáil and is currently at committee stage.

Mr Martin said Ms McEntee has indicated she may propose amendments. He said: ‘I think it’s fair to say there’s been significant debate on the issue, although a lot of deputies voted for this. The Sinn Féin party wanted it strengthened when it was going through the Dáil, wanted others included in the legislation.

‘Now the Sinn Féin party has done a 180-degree U-turn and wants the Bill scrapped.’

He said ‘legitimate concerns’ have been raised in public debate ‘around the freedom-of-speech aspect of it, although the Constitution covers freedom of speech’. He added: ‘There’s a number of options here: my view is if the minister is coming forward with amendments, then they could potentially be referred to the committee, and re-examine the legislation. And all the political parties who were for it, now against it, can come back in and give their views.’

Ms McEntee has cited a 29% increase in reported hate crimes in 2022, most of which were based on race, sexual orientation or nationality, as the basis for the Bill.