Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)

On behalf of Independent Ireland, I add my sympathies to those made yesterday to the family of Brother Kevin Crowley.

The European Commission has now issued a formal notice to the State demanding that we implement the so-called hate speech laws under the threat of infringement proceedings. Once again, I see indications from the Government of the bending of the knee. It is willing to compromise the constitutional freedoms of the Irish people to appease the European institutions and digital outrage merchants. Let me ask the Minister plainly: will the Government stand over a law that criminalises people for what they think and say rather than what they do? We are not talking about the incitement of violence, threats or harassment. We are talking about words, ideas and opinions, sometimes unpopular and uncomfortable but still lawful expressions, which are supposedly free in a republic.

Is the Minister aware that in Finland, a member of parliament was prosecuted for publicly citing scripture. In Sweden, a pastor was given a one-month prison sentence for publishing his sermon. In Denmark, an MP was convicted for his views on Islam. Interestingly, in the Danish hate speech law, at section 266b, the truth is not a defence in hate speech, regardless of the factual accuracy in a statement that is deemed insulting.

In parts of Europe, laws of being used to criminalise satire, prosecute artists and silence dissent. In Scotland, even private conversation spoken within one's own home may fall within the remit of criminal hate speech. This is not theoretical; this is happening.

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