Ирландия

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.