Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 May 2026
833. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the measures his Department is exploring or implementing to tackle the growing threat of extremism in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34570/26]
View answerIreland, like every other democratic state, is not immune from the threat of extremism.
This is an area which An Garda Síochána monitors closely with a view to countering identified threats through investigations and interventions to disrupt the threat posed. Gardaí work closely with counterparts internationally to share intelligence, monitor trends, develop best practice and assess response requirements.
While the rights of people with regard to freedom of speech and the right to protest must be - and are - respected, people do not have the right to act in a way that is unlawful causing others to fear for their safety, or in a way that threatens public order. When people go beyond what is lawful, and put others in danger, An Garda Síochána will protect the public and uphold the law.
Extremist activity can manifest both online and in the real world.
There is no doubt that the online environment enables the spread of extremist content and also facilitates increased transnational collaboration among like-minded individuals and groups. The manifestation of online disinformation and incitement to violent action in the physical world is of particular concern to my Department and An Garda Síochána and part of the Garda response to such incidents is to investigate the role of online activity.
In addition to our counter-terrorist legislation framework there is a range of other legislation which may be relevant in dealing with extremism in a given scenario. This includes the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act and Public Order legislation. Under the Prohibition of Incitement to Hatred Act, it is an offence to incite hatred against persons on account of certain identity characteristics. Additionally, the Criminal Justice (Incitement to Violence or Hatred and Hate Offences) Act criminalises the dissemination of exactly the kind of unlawful activity, offline and online, which often informs or encourages violent extremism.
The Garda Síochána role in respect of countering these threats is part of the wider whole-of-Government responsibility with regard to addressing the rise in extremism.
The Government and relevant state bodies also engage regularly with international partners on the evolving nature of extremism in various ideologies, to develop our understanding and evolution of the threat posed. In particular, the EU Knowledge Hub on the Prevention of Radicalisation brings together practitioners, policymakers and researchers working on prevention across Europe.
Experts and practitioners from my Department, An Garda Síochána, the Irish Prison Service, the Probation Service, other Government Departments and from civil society are active participants in the work of the Group, which aims to foster collaboration to address the challenges of radicalisation, emphasising an integrated, policy-driven approach and a whole-of-society perspective.
