Justice Minister Helen McEntee has confirmed plans to amend draft legislation aimed at tackling hate-related crimes by removing sections related to incitement to violence and hatred, while retaining the provisions addressing hate crimes.

The original bill intended to update the 1989 incitement to hatred legislation, introducing measures to make 'hate' an aggravating factor in certain offenses.

However, debates among politicians and concerns about potential impacts on freedom of speech have prompted this revision.

Ms. McEntee emphasized the need for new laws to ensure that crimes motivated by hate result in harsher penalties, even as the proposals to repeal the Prohibition of Incitement to Hatred Act 1989 are set aside.

The decision comes amid ongoing efforts to modernize Ireland's legal framework for addressing hate crimes, particularly in the context of online activities.

As the only European nation currently lacking hate crime legislation, Ireland seeks to change that status with these legislative adjustments.