Sharon Keogan demands Minister explain EU 'hate speech' threat
Sharon Keogan spoke in this House about a European Commission threat that Ireland must introduce new hate speech legislation or face legal action, warning there are six weeks to respond. She called on the Minister for Justice to appear and set out whether the Government will implement the measures or resist to defend free speech.
European Commission infringement proceedings
Sharon Keogan raised the recent infringement proceedings from the European Commission, noting the Commission's demand that Ireland introduce so-called hate speech legislation and that the State now has only six weeks to respond. She criticised the absence of any public plan from the Government on how it will reply to the legal threat.
Call for the Minister for Justice to appear
Keogan formally requested that the Minister for Justice come before this House to explain the options under consideration and to answer questions. She pressed for clarity on whether the Government intends to follow the order, resist, or pursue legal or political action on behalf of citizens.
Free speech concerns linked to Gaza protests
She argued the move raises a moral case for preserving Ireland's free speech laws and referenced recent incidents affecting Irish citizens abroad. Keogan cited reports of Germany deporting two nationals for attending pro-Palestinian protests and German police arresting Irish citizens for speaking Irish to question whether Ireland should adopt similar restrictions.
Ireland's international role and tech sector implications
Keogan warned that following what she called the EU's diktat could undermine Ireland's potential role as a middle ground between the EU and the US amid tense relations, and could drive away US tech companies based in Ireland. She framed the debate as one with both economic and moral dimensions requiring urgent government action.
Demand for a clear government stance
She concluded by insisting the Government must make a stand and that the Minister needs to inform this House where he stands on the proposed measures. Keogan closed by reiterating the public's right to know the Government's intended course of action.
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I rise today to speak on the issue which our Government must urgently address. This is of course 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 speaking, we now 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 the options the Government is considering and to discuss with us and answer questions regarding 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 our free speech? If we resist, will we do so through legal or political action? These are all things the Irish people deserve to know. We live in turbulent times, relations between the EU and the US are tense, and here there is a real opportunity for Ireland to become a middle ground for both blocs. Following the EU's diktat would preclude this and drive many away from the US tech companies that are here and based in Ireland. But more importantly than economic benefit, there 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 have 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. Tell me, how can we condemn Germany's crackdown on free expression when it happens in Berlin, yet allow the same Government the audacity to demand we implement those same laws via Brussels? It is vital our Government makes a stand, so the Minister needs to come in here and inform us where he stands on this. Thank you. Thank you.
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