Vol. 546 No. 5
19 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress which has been made regarding the review of the Prohibition on Incitement to Racial Hatred Act; the progress which has been made regarding addressing the growing number of racist websites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32092/01]
As the Deputy is aware, I announced a review some time ago of the Prohibition of Incitement to Hatred Act, 1989, which prohibits both actions intended to stir up hatred and actions likely to stir up hatred. This review is being carried out in co-operation with the National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism. Submissions to the Department concerning the current operation of the Act and proposals for amendment of the legislation are being considered as part of the review. While progress has been made on the review, two recent developments will have to be taken into account before the review is concluded. On 28 November 2001, the European Commission presented a proposal for a Council framework decision on combating racism and xenophobia. It is intended that the framework decision will replace an existing Joint Action concerning action to combat racism and xenophobia. Negotiations on the Framework Decision will commence in the new year. Also, the Council of Europe is establishing a new committee on criminalising acts of a racist or xenophobic nature committed through computer networks. Ireland will participate in this committee, which will draw up a draft Protocol to the Convention on Cybercrime on this issue. I consider it appropriate to await the outcome of these negotiations before finalising the review of our existing legislation.
