Barry Ward (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I congratulate Senator Mullen on that because he has an opportunity to continue to be offensive after this legislation passes. It is not about Senator Mullen and people being offended, giving offence or taking offence; it is about a legal framework to protect people who have repeatedly been the subject of abuse, harassment and crime in this community. It is about saying to them: we recognise the impact of these criminal actions against them, and we are willing to recognise the fact that it has a deep-seated impact on them, not just personally but on their community – and on the other people who are within that characteristic and, most importantly, their ability as a citizen or resident of this State to peaceably enjoy the environment the same as the rest of us. That is what this is about. Let us not talk about cancel culture as if it is something any of us approves of. I am totally opposed to cancel culture.