Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Daly has engaged extensively on the Bill. I ask the Minister to consider his amendments. We are acting in good faith to work with the Government on this because we believe that providing for a single statute for hate crime is appropriate. We have some concerns with the Bill and these need to be heard, but what we want to see is an action plan for implementation. For too long, vulnerable cohorts in our society have felt as though they have no protection. We need to send a clear message that targeting people because of their race, sexuality or gender is not acceptable and will not be tolerated.

I pay homage to the Traveller Visibility Group and the Traveller Women’s Network in Cork, which have done wonderful work in promoting the rights of members of the Travelling community and combating those who target them. These groups, alongside Cork City Council, have held some very positive events in recent years highlighting the history, culture and way of life of the Travelling community. Events like this are so important in reducing stigma and learning about those around us. We still see a lot of racism directed towards Travellers.

For many, it is the last acceptable form of racism. I want to be very clear. It is wrong, it is unfair and it must be stopped.

Alongside this, we acknowledge the stigma that is faced by those in the LGBTQ+ community. We passed the marriage equality Bill four years ago but there is still huge work to be done for that community. This legislation will also give them the protections they so desperately need and want. We should also recognise those who are working to combat racism. In my constituency, St. Vincent’s Secondary School, which my daughter attends, has been awarded the yellow flag. I say well done to all the students, teachers and parents for their work on combating racism and promoting inclusion.

In her eye-opening report, Afrophobia in Ireland: Racism Against People of African Descent, which I encourage everyone to read, Dr. Lucy Michael discussed the everyday racism faced by people of African descent in Ireland. This was in 2015 and we would like to think we have moved on. However, I am not sure we have moved on to the degree we would like to have seen. That is really disappointing.

As the crises in housing and health get worse and successive governments refuse to take the blame, people look to put the blame somewhere. Pitting vulnerable people against each other is exactly what failing governments want. It is wrong. We need to fight this every step of the way. When children sleep in hotel rooms tonight, we must not look at our neighbours and friends or try to blame other communities or groups. That is not where the blame lays. We certainly should not be blaming those who are fleeing war. We should be putting the blame where it belongs, which is in this Chamber. These policies should have been addressed. The crises of housing and health should have been addressed. We are now seeing those policies allowing the rich to get richer while the vulnerable become more vulnerable. As the housing crisis worsens and despair deepens, people begin to lose hope and anger builds. My worry and that of many people is where that anger is put. I believe the wrong people are being blamed. We must be clear; this is not right.

In 2020, people came out and voted for change. They voted for a positive vision of this island where every child has a safe roof over his or her head; a caring society in which people have full bellies and open arms. That change is going to happen but unfortunately, it will take a while. We must not let those with hidden agendas tear us apart while we strive for change. Today’s legislation is a positive step. It recognises that there is no space in our society or communities for hate. I again ask the Minister to consider the amendments tabled by Deputy Daly, and work with us and with those of other parties and none to make the strongest possible Bill we can bring forward to combat hate in our society.

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