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.
This category includes hate crimes committed because of "race", colour, nationality, and ethnicity. One anti-Roma and seven anti-Traveller hate crimes were also recorded under this category, and another 43 non-crime hate incidents were monitored.
One non-crime hate incident was monitored under this category.
The sexual assault under this category was an act of indecency. Five non-crime hate incidents were also monitored under this category.
This category includes anti-gay, anti-lesbian, anti-bisexual, anti-heterosexual, anti-male, anti-female, anti-transgender, anti-intersex, and other gender-based hate crimes. This includes 64 hate crimes motivated by bias against sexual orientation, and 13 by bias against gender identity. A further nine non-crime hate incidents motivated by bias against sexual orientation and four such cases motivated by bias against gender identity were monitored under this category.
A further two other cases were monitored under this category, which could constitute non-crime hate incidents or offences of child welfare referral and child pornography.
This category includes ten "ageist" and four "sectarian" hate crimes.
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.