Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am glad to have an opportunity to say a few words on this issue. Hate speech and hate crimes do not come in any one shape or form. They happen across all sectors of society. A case was presented to me recently concerning members of official bodies in Ireland and some of the texts and other abuse that is happening. I have spoken before to the Minister about the abuse prison officers receive. The Prison Officers Association has talked about this but neither the Minister nor any of the superior people here seem to be doing anything about it. Whistleblowers are being ignored. That leads to frustration for people. It is the same when we come into this House and cannot get proper answers on issues. People get very frustrated, especially with the current crisis.

I compliment An Seanadóir Keogan from the bottom of my heart on the exceptional job she did this morning. I thank all the Members, the Minister who was there and everybody involved. Getting more than 30 ambassadors into the room was a statement in itself. I was glad to meet with the Ukrainian ambassador.

There are many Russian families in Ireland. In my county, there are many Russian children who were adopted by Irish families. They are lovely young people doing their best. We cannot tar all Russian people with the one brush. Their President is power hungry and it is savage what is going on but we cannot allow RTÉ to set the narrative on this. We did that with the Covid crisis and that is why people get so frustrated online. There was tunnel vision and no other view from anybody else was tolerated. This is a dangerous road to be on and we must keep that in mind in regard to the war in Ukraine. It is a very dangerous place to go.

See this speech in context