Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)

The European Union is an institution that we are part of and that we shape, benefit from and influence. Implicit in the Deputy's question is the idea that the European Union is handing down direction or making decisions that we are, in some way, not able to influence or respond to. I am not familiar with the exact detail of the engagement the Commission has with the Department of justice. The Minister for justice will treat any such engagement from the Commission in a very serious way.

The Deputy referenced the European Court of Human Rights, which is another institution that has done so much to protect and advance human rights and political and civil liberties. It is another institution that Ireland engages with and has the greatest of respect for. What I can do is restate the principles I outlined, which are that freedom of expression is precious and liberty in a liberal democracy is something we must protect, but words and acts also have consequences. We have looked to recognise that in the legislation in place, which the Dáil passed. In respect of any further initiatives that could originate within the European Union or elsewhere, we will be conscious of the need for Ireland to maintain that balance.

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