Ireland

In October 2019, An Garda Síochána launched the Garda Diversity & Integration Strategy 2019-2021. The strategy focuses on enhancing the identification, reporting, recording, investigating and prosecuting of hate crimes. It contains a working hate crime definition (attached) that is in line with international good practices and the McPherson "perception test". It also recognizes the current and emerging diversity of our communities, and aims to protect all diverse and minority groups in society. The strategy contains numerous initiatives and commitments aimed at increasing public confidence in reporting hate crime, such as online reporting, third party referrals, diversity consultation days, increased intercultural awareness and the establishment of a national diversity forum.

Since October 2020, the An Garda Síochána PULSE system allows for the recording of non-criminal hate incidents, which are recorded where there exists one or more discriminatory motives (bias motivations) as per the new working definition of hate crime. Policy and procedures on responding to hate crime and non-criminal hate incidents have been developed and these are supported by summary guidance documents on recording hate crime. An Garda Síochána has also formalised third-party reporting with a "Third Party Referral Agreement" to allow NGOs and CSOs to refer cases of hate crime directly to the Garda National Diversity and Integration Unit, who examine and action each referral. In July 2021, a Garda Síochána launched an online hate crime reporting system, supported by the publication of a hate crime information leaflet in 19 languages. An internal communications plan and public campaign were also carried out with extensive media coverage.