Vol. 531 No. 5
51 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when it is expected that the review of the effectiveness of the law on incitement to racial hatred will be completed; when he expects to be in a position to bring to Government proposals regarding amendments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6158/01]
As I indicated in reply to Parliamentary Question No. 87 from Deputy Upton as recently as 7 February 2001, the Prohibition of Incitement to Hatred Act, 1989, has been the subject of review from time to time. The most recent review, in 1998, was carried out in the context of an EU review of member states' compliance with an EU joint action concerning action to combat racism and xenophobia. That joint action is now the subject of further review by the EU. To date, no changes in the law have resulted from these reviews. Nevertheless, some time ago I announced a further review of the legislation in my Department. While I cannot at this stage predict a timescale, I hope to conclude the review as soon as possible.
