Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 July 2022
293. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if she agrees that there is a need for comprehensive hate crime legislation in Ireland to help tackle the harassment and attacks committed against the LGBT+ community; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36837/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, Ireland has become a more diverse and welcoming country in recent decades.
I strongly condemn the actions of the small minority of people who subject others to abuse or attack resulting from their own prejudice. These types of attacks cannot, and will not, be tolerated.
On 16 April 2021, I published the General Scheme of the Criminal Justice (Incitement to Hatred and Hate Crime) Bill 2021 following an extensive public consultation. The General Scheme was then referred to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice for pre-legislative scrutiny. This took place in November 2021 and the report was published in April 2022.
I am committed to advancing work on the Bill this year.
This Bill will create new, aggravated forms of certain existing criminal offences, where those offences are motivated by prejudice against a protected characteristic. The aggravated offences will generally carry an enhanced penalty, compared to the ordinary offence, and the record of any conviction for such an offence would clearly state that the offence was a hate crime.
Following receipt of the Justice Committee’s report in April, my officials have been examining the recommendations made. Some of these recommendations have required further legal advice, and consultation with key stakeholders.
I was very glad to meet recently during Pride week with representatives of the LGBTI+ non-governmental organisations to discuss a range of concerns including their wish to see this Bill enacted as soon as possible.
Drafting of the Bill is underway with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel, and I expect that the Bill will be published in the coming period.
