Ireland

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

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, the Garda launched an online hate crime reporting system.

In April 2022, the Garda 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 Garda officers was launched.
    
In 2023, the Garda formalized the reporting process between civil society and the Garda National Diversity Unit to facilitate reporting and reduce under-reporting of hate crimes.

The Criminal Justice (Hate Offences) Act 2024 came into force on 31 December 2024. The new legislation provides for increased prison sentences for certain crimes, where proven to be motivated by hatred, or where hatred is demonstrated. For example, the legislation ensures that assault aggravated by hatred, or damage to property aggravated by hatred, will attract higher prison sentences. Where hatred is not proven, a person can still be charged with assault or damage to property.

Hate crime data collection in Ireland
Support for hate crime victims in Ireland
Hate crime capacity building in Ireland
Ireland's hate crime legislation
 
Download the 2021 hate crime report for Ireland

OFFICIAL DATA REPORTED BY STATES

Year Hate crimes recorded by police Prosecuted Sentenced
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

About 2021 Data

    There is no information on the number of prosecuted or sentenced hate crimes as there is currently no hate crime legislation on the basis of which hate crimes could be monitored within the judiciary.

Hate crime recorded by police

National developments

In April 2021, ODIHR conducted an online training on sensitive and respectful treatment of hate crime victims for staff and officers of the An Garda Síochána (the National Police Force of Ireland – the Garda). Diversity Officers, Diversity Inspectors and Garda Victims Office Staff from across the country participated in the event and learned about the impact of hate crimes, the needs of hate crime victims, and the importance of applying a victim-centred approach. 

In July 2021, to encourage victims to report hate crimes, the Garda launched an online hate crime reporting system. The launch of the system was accompanied by the publication of a leaflet available in 19 languages, an internal communications plan and a public information campaign.   

In November 2021, the Garda conducted a Hate Crime Awareness Training for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. Throughout 2021, a comprehensive Online Hate Crime Training Programme was developed by the Garda in conjunction with Facing Facts and the Irish Network Against Racism. The training lasts four hours and is mandatory for all Garda members and Garda staff (civilians) with public-facing roles. Furthermore, training for Garda Diversity Officers was carried out in 2021 and an online needs-based hate crime training was held in a number of Garda divisions to address local policing issues. 

In December 2021, the Garda policy and procedures on "Responding to Hate Crimes and Non-Crime Hate Incidents" were introduced. The policy document is publically available on the Garda website, while the internal procedures document provides detailed instructions on identifying, reporting, recording, investigating and prosecuting hate crimes. It also outlines the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved in the process. 

A new Criminal Justice Bill (Incitement to Violence or Hatred and Hate Crime) 2022 is currently at the final drafting stage in the Attorney General's office, and is scheduled to be introduced to parliament in autumn 2022. 

Notable case: 

In June 2021, a Georgian man and his friend were beaten by a group of six men in Dublin City Centre. A hate crime investigation was launched against all suspects. 

KEY OBSERVATION

ODIHR recognizes Ireland's efforts to improve its hate crime recording mechanisms. Ireland is encouraged to also report data to ODIHR on hate crimes recorded by the prosecution and judiciary. In addition, ODIHR observes that Ireland would benefit from reviewing its existing legal framework to ensure that bias motivations can be effectively acknowledged and appropriate penalties can be imposed on the perpetrators. 

ODIHR recalls that in Ministerial Council Decision 9/09, OSCE participating States committed to collecting reliable data and statistics in sufficient detail on hate crimes and to report such information periodically to ODIHR. They have also committed to enacting specific, tailored legislation to combat hate crimes, providing for effective penalties that take into account the gravity of such crimes. ODIHR stands ready to support Ireland in meeting its relevant commitments through the provision of its comprehensive resources and tailored assistance in the area of hate crime recording and data collection, as well as by providing further legislative guidance and advice.  

Our methodology

OVERVIEW OF INCIDENTS REPORTED BY CIVIL SOCIETY

CIVIL SOCIETY INCIDENT SUMMARIES

Anti-Christian hate crime

Date Type of incident Source Description
2021-02 Attacks against property
OIDAC
 Show info
2021-03 Attacks against property
OIDAC
 Show info
2021-09 Attacks against property
OIDAC
 Show info
2021-10 Attacks against property
OIDAC
 Show info
2021-03 Attacks against property
OIDAC
 Show info
2021-06 Attacks against property
OIDAC
 Show info

Anti-LGBTI hate crime

Date Type of incident Source Description
2021-04 Violent attacks against people
Transgender Equality Network Ireland (TENI)
 Show info
2021-07 Violent attacks against people
Transgender Equality Network Ireland (TENI)
 Show info

INTERNATIONAL REPORTS

No information is available.