Aodhán Ó Ríordáin
Ceist:61. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Justice has a specific unit tasked with overseeing and implementing strategy to combat the far right. [55125/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 12 December 2023
Ceisteanna (61)
Freagraí scríofa
The Covid-19 pandemic created a space for those intent on sowing hate and division to emerge and exploit and share their narratives online. They have continued to do this in relation to a range of issues.
The Government and relevant state bodies engage regularly with the EU and other partners on the evolving nature of the threats posed by extremism of various ideologies.
I would like to assure the Deputy that countering the threat posed by extremism is a top priority for An Garda Síochána and for me and my Department. Our strategy to deal with extremism involves a number of separate strands.
We are fully engaged with EU partners through the Radicalisation Awareness Network (RAN). This is to develop our understanding of the evolution of the threat posed by extremist actors to take appropriate measures to counter such threat. My Department is also responsible for policy in relation to illegal online content, including the implementation of the Terrorist Content Online Regulation, and policy on online extremism, including in respect of the far-right.
It is the role of the Garda Commissioner to determine the policing strategies of An Garda Síochána and he has my full support in this crucial work. Garda management deploy an increased presence where they deem it necessary in response to protests and demonstrations.
When people go beyond what is acceptable, and put others in danger, members of An Garda Síochána will protect all members of the public and uphold the law. I am satisfied there is a wide range of legislation under which threats and intimidation can be prosecuted, including the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Persons Act and Public Order legislation.
The law is kept under review and the Deputy will be familiar with the provisions of the new Criminal Justice (Incitement to Violence or Hatred and Hate Offences) Bill, which I am currently bringing through the Oireachtas, will criminalise the dissemination of exactly the kind of hate speech, offline and online, which often informs or encourages violent extremism.
My colleague the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media has introduced the Online Services and Media Regulation Act and established Coimisiún na Meán, to regulate online media, including enforcing rules about how online services or platforms should deal with harmful and illegal content on their services. Minister Martin is also overseeing the process to develop a National Counter Disinformation Strategy which will be published in 2024.
I understand that Coimisiún na Meán held meetings with platforms in the days following the disturbances together with the European Commission to get more information on how media companies responded to the incidents that unfolded online and offline. I echo their call to all platforms based in Ireland to limit the spread of such content and look forward to engaging further with the companies in relation to this important issue.