Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)

I assure him of that. As we deal with this important matter that is at the heart of how we conduct politics in our society and the liberal democracy we are all proud of, which we know we can never take for granted and have to protect and renew by act, deed and word, it is important to remember what has already happened and what the legal framework for all of this is. As the House will be aware, the Criminal Justice (Hate Offences) Act 2024 came into effect on 31 December last year. That Bill prescribed prison sentences for very specific crimes where word or incitement is proven to be motivated by hatred or where hatred is demonstrated. What that did was put the right legislation and right legal framework in place to ensure that any assault aggravated in any way by hatred is one that will attract a higher prison sentence. That is what we have already done. Therefore, in dealing with the issues the Deputy raised and the charges he made regarding how we want to maintain that balance, it is a balance that deserves further debate, maybe in a more careful way. I believe the use of language and the way we describe issues in the House have an effect on the tone of politics. In turn, the tone of politics affects the conduct of politics, as well as how we can make the case for politics as a force for good and helping with the issues all of us are elected to raise. We will do that in a way that gets that balance right.

I am not familiar with the detail of the legislation in Denmark or Sweden the Deputy referred to. They have political traditions that are every bit as proud as ours and take the case of parliamentary democracy and freedom of expression every bit as seriously as we do. If, however, there is cause to consider the matter further in Ireland, we will do three things. First, we will ensure that whatever we do continues to be consistent with the constitutional framework, which we cherish, in place in our country. Second, any such moves or further decisions are ones that always have to be proportionate and recognise the deep value of free speech and the right to freedom of expression. Third, freedom of expression is not cost free or consequence free. Words can be used in such a way that causes more than hurt and offence; they can influence how others act. That is recognised in the legislation the Government already has in place. The Deputy and others can be assured that in any further consideration of this issue, the Government and the Minister, Deputy Jim O'Callaghan, will always be aware of the delicate and vital balance we need to maintain.

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