Proposed Legislation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 October 2014

Thursday, 16 October 2014

Ceisteanna (137)

Terence Flanagan

Ceist:

137. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her views on a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39751/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

The Deputy will be aware that there are laws in this country which make it an offence to use words or publish or display material which is threatening, abusive or insulting or likely to stir up hatred. I am, as the Deputy will also be aware, progressing a Bill which will create an offence of public provocation to terrorism. Furthermore there is a discretion to refuse entry to the State on reasonable grounds where it is felt that a person may break the law, including incitement to hatred.

Nevertheless let me emphasise that we also recognise the need for engagement with the diverse communities which make up our society. An Garda Síochána is very conscious of the impact of hate crime incidents and relevant structures are in place to support appropriate policing responses and to encourage reporting. The Garda Racial Intercultural and Diversity Office (GRIDO) has responsibility for coordinating, monitoring and advising on all aspects of policing Ireland's diverse communities. GRIDO monitors the reporting and recording of hate and racist crime on a continual basis.

Garda Ethnic Liaison Officers (ELOs) have been appointed to work with minority communities at local level throughout the country. These officers combined with GRIDO play a fundamental role in liaising with minority groups and work in partnership to encourage tolerance, respect and understanding within communities and to help prevent hate and racist crime. GRIDO and ELOs provide advice and assistance to victims of hate or racist crime where required or deemed necessary.

But, public safety is also an issue, and An Garda Síochána monitors the movements of those suspected of involvement in extremist behaviour and in line with best practice internationally has engaged with returnees from the conflict areas.