Sharon Keogan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I congratulate the Minister, her husband Paul and baby Michael on their great news. I wish her every good health in her pregnancy.

I welcome this directive and support Ireland's opt-in to it. While we have already implemented many of the laws and provisions mandated in the directive, our show of support for this move to combat violence against women across the EU is nonetheless important. Incitement to hatred has been a criminal act in this country since 1989. We criminalised the non-consensual sharing of intimate images only last year. Our law prohibiting female genital mutilation was signed in 2012. However, some fear there may have been a hidden spike in cases of female genital mutilation during the Covid-19 due to the lack of scrutiny in communities. In the wake of those lockdowns, efforts must be redoubled to re-educate persons living in Ireland, who may come from or have ties to a country with a culture where female genital mutilation is practised, that it is illegal here and the consequences are severe. Women and girls affected by female genital mutilation must also be able to visit any hospital and be seen by a doctor free of charge.

Regarding the section on safe reporting and risk assessment procedures, there may be a slight concern regarding measures taken against suspects prior to trial. This would be dealt with in national legislation. We must ensure the balance between protection for those who may have been the victims of violence and the presumption of innocence. I appreciate the inclusion of a reminder to member states that the competent authorities should take into account the fundamental right to freedom of expression as enshrined in Article 11 of the charter when assessing whether material qualifies amounts to incitement to hatred or violence. That is another important area in which to ensure balance.

All in all, I support this directive and the message it sends, that Europe is no place for the barbaric action that is prohibited by these laws and that we must work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of our women and children.