Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 3:

In page 10, to delete lines 16 to 20 and substitute the following:“(d) to encourage good practice in intercultural relations, to promote tolerance and acceptance of diversity in the State and respect for the freedom and dignity of each person, and

(e) to work towards the elimination of human rights abuses, discrimination and prohibited conduct.”.

The amendment is a response to points made by Deputy Pringle on Committee Stage. The amendment separates the two phrases "to work towards the elimination of human rights abuses, discrimination and prohibited conduct" and respecting diversity and "the freedom and dignity of each person" to avoid giving the mistaken impression that one is subservient to the other, a concern that was raised on Committee Stage. The amendment clarifies the issue. There was concern that there could be confusion and a hierarchy of rights. The reference to respecting diversity and the freedom and dignity of each person is important in that it recognises that we exist in an increasingly diverse society where acceptance of difference and the rights and freedoms of other people is a cornerstone of the liberties and democracy we all enjoy. I hope the Deputy will accept this approach and will not press his amendment. The words remain but are separated to make it clear that they apply equally.

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