Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 September 2020
580. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice if the public consultation on hate speech and hate crime will be published; if so, the date it will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23440/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government commits to introducing, within 12 months, legislation to address those who target victims because of their association with a particular identity characteristic, and to revise and update the Incitement to Hatred Act and I can assure the Deputy that my Department is working to prepare this legislation on hate crime and hate speech as a priority.
As part of the work to revise and update the Incitement to Hatred Act a comprehensive public consultation has been carried out which included a public survey and an opportunity for stakeholders to make formal submissions. This consultation was conducted to ensure that the Department fully understands the lived experience of those impacted by hate speech and hate crime as well as the views of professionals and other stakeholders in the field. This is necessary to ensure the laws developed are robust, clearly understood and effective in dealing with unacceptable incidents.
I was delighted with the high level of engagement by the public with this topic and can inform the Deputy that my Department received in the region of 3,800 written responses to the consultation, including approximately 175 detailed written submissions
In addition to this widespread public consultation and in order to ensure we draft legislation that is effective, my Department carried out comparative research on international best practice on hate crime legislation.
This research is currently being finalised and I expect it will be published in the coming weeks.
There will be a further opportunity for stakeholders to share their views when the legislative proposals on this important issue are published for discussion.
