The Government was forced to admit that it is dropping its controversial plans to introduce hate speech laws after the move was revealed by Irish Times political correspondent Jack Horgan-Jones at the weekend.

But why? The long talked-about new Bill passed easily through the Dáil in 2023 and was expected to be rubberstamped by the Seanad.

However fissures began appearing early in the Bill’s gestation and disquiet became loud enough for the Government to take notice.

Looking at the long history to replace the 1989 hate crime legislation, Horgan-Jones says the family and care referendums this year were the tipping point: the moment when the Government got nervous.

He also explains what comes next for the Government’s plans to legislate against hate.

Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Aideen Finnegan.

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