Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising the latter points. She will be pleased to hear that the Garda is currently investigating public order issues, which were also raised earlier by Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan. I understand that several investigations are ongoing in the context of the Covid-19 regulatory framework. It would not be appropriate for me to comment in any detail, but I assure Deputies that such investigations are under way.

I agree with Deputy Carroll McNeill on anti-racism. Along with my Government colleagues, I, particularly in my capacity as Minister for Justice and Equality, abhor racism in all its forms, wherever and however it arises. The Government and I, along with the Minister of State, Deputy Stanton, who has specific responsibility in that area, are fully committed to ensuring that Ireland is a safe and secure place for everybody and that appropriate tools are in place to address racism or xenophobia in any form. I make no apologies for indicating my intention to introduce a specific crime of hate speech, thus developing further protection against hate crime. There is a working group on the issue and I intend to report progress on that at the earliest date in the form of proposals for legislative change. As far as the Garda is concerned, there is very positive and active engagement to ensure that the Garda diversity and integration strategy is fully rolled out and upheld. In addition, there is the migrant integration strategy and, of course, community integration funds which will help communities to support integration and diversity and allow people to be fully engaged.

On Sligo Garda station, I am happy to provide further information to Deputy Feighan. The Garda Commissioner has decided that rather than construct an entirely new building as was the original intention, the existing Garda station, which I visited some time ago, will be the subject of a multi-million euro renovation programme. I am very keen for that to get under way at an early date.

I agree with Deputy Durkan on the need for ongoing and further debate on our immigration policy.

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