Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The present definition of hate is legally adhered to as it stands at the moment. In changing it, we are trying to be more descriptive to reflect what we see raising its head more and more in our society. I take the point that has been made from a legal perspective. Common sense can be one thing while law can often be an entirely different thing. That is what we are faced with here. I would like an assurance from the Minister or his officials that what is intended here is the same as what the outcome of the Bill would be.