Sharon Keogan (Independent)

I rise to speak on an issue our Government must urgently address, namely, the recent threats from the European Commission that Ireland must introduce new so-called hate speech legislation or face legal action from the EU. As of the time of speaking, we have only six weeks to respond to these infringement proceedings but, so far, we have heard nothing from the Government regarding its plan of action. I therefore call on the Minister for Justice to appear before this House to inform us what options the Government is considering and to discuss and answer questions on these plans.

Are we going to follow the order and implement these draconian restrictions? Are we going to resist and defend the right of our nation to preserve free speech? If we resist, will we do so through legal or political action? These are all things the people deserve to know. We live in turbulent times. Relations between the EU and the US are tense, and this is an opportunity for Ireland to become a middle ground for both blocs. To follow the EU's diktat would be to preclude this and drive away many of the US tech companies that are based in Ireland.

More important than economic benefit is the moral case for the preservation of our free speech laws. We as a nation are making waves for our stance on Gaza, and many Irish people abroad are paying the price. We recently heard of Germany deporting two citizens of ours for attending pro-Palestinian protests. We have even heard of German police arresting Irish citizens for speaking Irish. How can we condemn Germany's crackdown on free expression when it happens in Berlin yet allow the same Government the audacity to demand via Brussels that we implement those same laws? It is vital our Government makes a stand. The Minister needs to come to the House and inform us where he stands on this.