Richard O'Donoghue (Limerick County, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I agree with Senator Craughwell on this. It is something I have taken legal advice on during the week, both independent legal advice and from a lobby group. I listened to the details on this issue and the lobby group said the same thing. The worst thing that could happen is if it goes to the Supreme Court. At the moment, the Bill is in the Seanad, where amendments can be made and it can then be sent back to the Dáil. In this case, it can be redone in the Dáil and sent back to the Seanad when it is rectified. If the Seanad passes this Bill as it is at the moment, it can then be challenged in the Supreme Court. However, I would prefer if the Seanad tabled amendments to this. Like Senator Craughwell said, if the petitioner writes to every Member of the Seanad individually - the exact same letter but with the name changed on top - amendments can then be looked at by the Seanad. It can then be sent back to the Dáil and sent back again to the Seanad if it is corrected.

I will go on the record again that I am 100% against this hate speech Bill and I want to ensure the proper channels are given to whatever is needed to rectify this. I do not want it to go the Supreme Court. To me, that is the last thing needed. It can be rectified here in the Houses.

One thing I wish to clarify is that the Bill has been in the Seanad for more than 90 days.