asked the Minister for Justice if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Ireland continues to be used as a base for printing and circulation of fascist and neo-Nazi material of a racist nature; and if he will make a statement on his intentions in the matter.
Written Answers. - Printing of Racist Material.
13.
I have received some complaints regarding activities of the kind referred to by the Deputy. The question of legislation to give effect to Article 20 of the United Nations Covenant on Civil and Political Rights is at present being examined. That article requires that the advocacy of national, racial or religious hatred should be prohibited but any legislation in this area would need to be carefully balanced to ensure that it did not infringe the right of freedom of expression guaranteed by the Constitution.
Any legislative proposals which I may have arising from the present exammination will be announced in the ordinary way in due course.