DUBLIN (Reuters) - Ireland will not introduce hate speech laws, its justice minister said on Saturday, dropping a central part of the response to riots in Dublin last year following criticism from some government lawmakers, opponents and billionaire Elon Musk.

Sky News host James Morrow discusses a new development in Ireland’s hate speech legislation which he described as “a win” for free speech.

The Republic of Ireland's Minister for Justice has confirmed she has dropped plans to introduce new hate speech laws. Helen McEntee said she would still include the hate crime element in new legislation. She will introduce committee stage amendments to the Criminal Justice (Incitement to Violence or Hatred and Hate Offences) Bill 2022.

In order to bring forward new hate speech legislation we need consensus, we don’t have that at the moment,’ Ms McEntee said on Saturday.

The Government will drop controversial plans to introduce hate speech laws, Minister for Justice Helen McEntee has confirmed after it was revealed in The Irish Times on Saturday. However, the Minister has insisted she will press ahead with the hate crime part of the criminal justice legislation despite it being seen as a row-back on her commitment.

Justice Minister Helen McEntee is to amend draft laws tackling hate-related crimes to remove incitement elements. It is understood that the section dealing with incitement to violence and hatred will be removed,