Mr. Liam Herrick:

That has been our view. The comments of the Minister, and these are his public statements, are that he now believes Irish law as it currently stands is sufficiently in line with the EU framework directive and no further legislative action is needed. A question arises whether that view will be accepted by the European Union. On the face of it, there would seem to be a difference between the Minister's position, what is in the programme for Government, and the stated position of the European Commission. That opens the possibility that Ireland may not be in compliance with European Union law in this area. That could have consequences. That is where we stand.

We are very conscious that this is a matter of significant public interest and public controversy. There is an opportunity, in our view, to introduce a review of the incitement to hatred legislation in a way that appropriately balances all human rights and equality concerns. There are, of course, important concerns with regard to constitutional rights such as freedom of expression and rights under the European Convention. Other states have found an appropriate balance of those rights and we do not see any reason Ireland could not do so too.