Ireland | HCRW

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

The Diversity and Integration Strategy 2019-2021 of the National Police Force addresses the police response to hate crime. The Strategy's implementation is monitored by the National Diversity Forum, established in 2020 and comprising civil society and community groups. The police works closely with civil society to address hate crimes targeting Roma and Travellers, migrants and LGBTI persons, as well as in relation to hate crime training and hate crime investigations.

In July 2021, the Garda launched an online hate crime reporting system. In February 2020, Ireland co-organized with ODIHR and the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights a workshop on understanding and improving hate crime recording and data collection. Based on ODIHR's Information Against Hate Crimes Toolkit (INFAHCT) programme, the workshop resulted in a number of recommendations for relevant state authorities.

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.

SELECT YEAR

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.

Download official data

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

INCIDENTS REPORTED BY CIVIL SOCIETY

Total Incidents
Targeted properties
Type of property attacks

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.