Ireland | HCRW

Ireland regularly submits hate crime data to ODIHR. Ireland's annual hate crime statistics can be accessed here.

The Criminal Justice (Hate Offences) Act 2024, which came into force on 31 December 2024, provides for increased prison sentences for certain crimes, where proven to be motivated by hatred, or where hatred is demonstrated.

In February 2020, Ireland co-organized a workshop with ODIHR and the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights to enhance the understanding and recording of hate crimes. Based on ODIHR's Information Against Hate Crimes Toolkit (INFAHCT) programme, the workshop produced a number of recommendations for relevant state authorities. In July 2021, An Garda Síochána (Ireland's National Police and Security Service) launched an online hate crime reporting system.

In April 2022, representatives of An Garda Síochána took part in ODIHR's Online Training on Sensitive and Respectful Treatment of Hate Crime Victims. Also in 2022, a comprehensive and mandatory Online Hate Crime Training Programme for Gardaí (police officers) was launched.

In 2023, An Garda Síochána formalized the reporting process between civil society and the Garda National Diversity Unit to facilitate reporting and reduce the under-reporting of hate crimes.

SELECT YEAR

Download the 2014 hate crime report for Ireland

OFFICIAL DATA REPORTED BY STATES

Year	Hate crimes recorded by police	Prosecuted	Sentenced
2024	676	Not available	Not available
2023	651	Not available	Not available
2022	628	Not available	Not available
2021	448	Not available	Not available
2020	Not available	Not available	Not available
2019	251	Not available	Not available
2018	368	Not available	Not available
2017	Not available	Not available	Not available
2016	Not available	Not available	Not available
2015	Not available	Not available	Not available
2014	53	Not available	Not available
2013	109	Not available	12
2012	119	Not available	Not available
2011	162	Not available	Not available
2010	142	Not available	Not available
2009	164	Not available	Not available

Download official data

National developments

At the request of the Minister of State for New Communities, Culture and Equality, the Hate and Hostility Research Group (HHRG) at the University of Limerick began research on hate crime in Ireland, aimed at developing the legislative bill heads for a potential hate crime law.

The Garda developed a number of training courses addressing diversity, discrimination and hate crimes, and participated in other events organized in co-operation with representatives of victim communities, including the Roma, Muslim and LGBT communities, as well as civil society groups providing assistance to refugees.

The Minister of State for New Communities, Culture and Equality launched a new website, developed by the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network (GLEN) civil society group. The website, stophatecrime .ie, supported by the Garda, provides for the third party reporting of hate crime motivated by homophobic and transphobic bias. In co-operation with the Transgender Equality Network Ireland (TENI), the Garda developed for its officers a set of guidelines on conducting investigations and engaging correctly with transgender people.

KEY OBSERVATION

ODIHR observes that Ireland has not reported on the numbers of prosecuted cases to ODIHR.

Incidents reported by civil society, international organizations and the Holy See

Download incident data

Reports

Racist and xenophobic hate crime

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported an arson attack against cars belonging to a family of Iraqi Kurds. The Immigrant Council of Ireland reported 16 physical assaults, including three attacks carried out by groups. Victims included several men and women of African descent; men of Pakistani, Indonesian, Brazilian and Eastern European origin; and a British couple. Five assaults took place on public transport and one assault also involved damage to property, in which a man of African descent was attempting to stop damage to his front door.

The Immigrant Council of Ireland reported a further six incidents of graffiti on property, including on five places associated with individuals from an immigrant background; two cases of arson against the home of a German citizen of African origin and the petrol bombing of a home of a family of six of African origin; three threats; one theft; and two incidents of damage to the homes of families of Eastern European origin and a further series of incidents of damage to the property of a family of African origin.

Anti-Roma hate crime

The Immigrant Council of Ireland reported a series of incidents of harassment against the same Roma family, including stones being thrown at their home and their windows being broken. On one occasion, the father was injured.

Anti-Semitic hate crime

The Immigrant Council of Ireland reported a physical assault on a man that caused serious injuries.

Anti-LGBTI hate crime

The Immigrant Council of Ireland reported one physical assault against a gay refugee. Transgender Europe and the Transgender Equality Network, Ireland reported two sexual assaults and four physical assaults.

Disability hate crime

The Immigrant Council of Ireland reported a physical assault against a woman with disabilities. Transgender Europe reported an incident of threats.

INTERNATIONAL REPORTS

Racist and xenophobic hate crime

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported that the Minister of State for Equality, New Communities and Culture chaired a roundtable event hosted by the University of Limerick and involving NGOs, to discuss new approaches to addressing hate crime in Ireland, including the need for legislation to address hate crime through criminal law. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) also reported the publication of "’A Life Free From Fear’ Legislating for Hate Crime in Ireland: An NGO Perspective," which highlights the absence of hate crime legislation in Ireland.