The government is going to pass an amended version of the hate speech bill before the next general election, Taoiseach Simon Harris has insisted.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Today With Claire Byrne programme, the Fine Gael leader said that he had decided to pass the bill before March 22nd 2025 – the last possible date a general election can be held legally.
“I have made a decision that we are going to pass a law in this space, I’m very clear on that,” he said.
“Hate crime is not a pretend crime, it is a very real thing. If I want to be tough on law and order and support the Gardaí, that means supporting the Gardai in pursuing all crimes, including hate crimes.
“And when the Gardaí believe they need new laws in this area, it would be a very irresponsible Taoiseach that wouldn’t take that seriously.
“So we will pass the Bill. The Bill will be amended and the Bill will seek to address significant concerns that have been made.”
Numerous government TDs have called for the legislation to be scrapped, including Fine Gael TDs Charlie Flanagan and Michael Ring, and Fianna Fáil TDs Willie O’Dea and James O’Connor. However, Harris said he found this “a little unusual” considering the fact that the legislation was in the Programme for Government, and around 90% of TDs in the Dáil voted for the legislation just last year.
He indicated that he was confused that some TDs were now “running around as if they’ve never heard of the Bill”.
The Taoiseadh added that the government would be discussing how to amend legislation to ensure it doesn’t create “unintended consequences” for free speech and to address “legitimate issues” that people had raised.
Notably, in a recent interview with Gript, Fianna Fáil TD Willie O’Dea said he had not paid “sufficient attention” to the legislation when he voted for it last year, and that when he read it back after the fact he was “absolutely horrified” by its contents.
“The hate speech bill was rushed through the Dáil. I certainly didn’t pay sufficient attention to it…but when I read it I was absolutely horrified."
Fianna Fáil TD Willie O’Dea wasn't aware what was in the hate speech bill he voted for, and says he now regrets supporting it. pic.twitter.com/ioQP5dFJPL
— gript (@griptmedia) April 9, 2024