Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I know we will come to that.

My last point refers to something the Minister said. The issue of the right to practise religion and freedom of speech is topical at present. I offer a personal view. The Constitution provides protection for the practice of all religions and respect for all religions whatever they may be, and respect for each other as well. That is as it should be. In the present turbulent climate a special effort should be made to encourage everybody not to ridicule each other's religion. It is a very personal issue for many people and can be very emotive. It is not necessary to in any way provoke a reaction from quarters where people might be sensitive to that.

I have my religion and I respect other religions, and I know everybody in this Chamber does likewise. I do not see the necessity for or any benefit accruing from the theory that we reserve the right to ridicule each other. A particular war started on the Continent of Africa some years ago as a result of somebody ridiculing somebody else's religion.