Issue Date: 22 March 2023
- 29% increase in reported hate crimes & hate related (non-crime) incidents
- 582 hate crimes & hate related (non-crime) incidents recorded in 2022 (448 in 2021)
- 510 hate crimes (389 in 2021)
- 72 hate related (non-crime) incidents (59 in 2021)
An Garda Síochána has today published figures on Hate Crimes and Hate Related (non-crime) Incidents reported in 2022.
An Garda Síochána policy is that "Reports of Hate Crimes or Hate Incidents will be recorded and investigated as appropriate, where it is perceived that the perpetrator’s hostility or prejudice against any person, community or institution is on the grounds of the victim’s age, disability, race, colour, nationality, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or gender”.
A total of 617 (483 in 2021) discriminatory motives were recorded (some incidents have more than one discriminatory motive). The most prevalent discriminatory motive was race (32%), followed by Sexual Orientation (22%) and Nationality (21%). Incidents were recorded across all 9 Discriminatory motives.
Hate motives were evident in a range of incidents in 2022, the largest percentage being Public Order (30%), Minor Assaults (20%), Assault causing Harm (9%) and Criminal Damage (8%).
The largest proportion of hate related incidents (47%) reported in 2022 occurred in the Dublin Metropolitan Region. Across the other three operational regions there are quite similar proportions of incidents evident – Southern Region (15%), North-Western Region (20%) Eastern Region (18%).
An Garda Síochána continues to invest in our network of diversity officers. There are 481 diversity officers across the organisation.
During 2022 An Garda Síochána implemented a Hate Crime ELearning Programme developed in conjunction with NGOs. This programme has been completed by 83.2% of all Garda members.
An Garda Síochána in conjunction with the University of Limerick has continued to facilitate Garda members and Staff participating in the Policing and Human Rights Law in Ireland Level 8 Certificate programme. Over 2,000 Garda personnel at all ranks and grades have completed and been awarded this certificate.
Assistant Commissioner Paula Hilman, whose remit includes the Garda National Diversity and Integration Unit, welcomed the publication of the 2022 statistics; "An Garda Síochána continues to have a strong focus on investigating crimes with a hate motive and supporting the victims of these crimes. An Garda Síochána recognises that hate crimes have a huge impact on victims, specifically because they are targeted because of a characteristic of who they are. These crimes also have a significant impact on wider communities and society”.
Assistant Commissioner Hilman added ”These statistics of incidents reported to An Garda Síochána in 2022 with a hate motive build on the baseline figures published for 2021. The level of reporting has increased overall. While it is disappointing that any incidents occur which have a hate related motive, it is positive to see more victims coming forward to An Garda Síochána and reporting their experiences.”
Assistant Commissioner Hilman further highlighted that "We all need as a community to consistently highlight and call out discrimination and hate where it occurs. I urge any person who has experienced or observed prejudice to come forward and report those incidents to us. I can assure people that complaints will be dealt with thoroughly and professionally.”
Case studies:
- A Eastern European female 50s was approached by a male 30s, allegedly racially verbally abused and then punched twice in the face and kicked her while she was on the ground. Charges currently pending before the Circuit Court
- Male 30s arrested for Public Order offences following homophobic abuse and public order offences, no complaint from injured parties, Gardaí witnessed incident. Male convicted District Court 3 months imprisonment.
- A black young adult female was assaulted unprovoked (forcibly shouldered out of way) by a customer male 20s. Male convicted District Court, 10 months suspended sentence.
- Non Irish white male 60s verbally abused, threatened and intimidated by male 60s. Male convicted in District Court €2000 fine.
- A black Irish male 30s verbally abused by a customer male 20s. Male convicted in District Court, €400 fine.
- A male witness reported observing a young male being verbally and racially abused. Injured party did not report incident and not identified. Male 20s identified, convicted in District Court on evidence of witness for Public Order Offences, €300 fine.
- Security Guard racially abused by 3 young teenage boys. All three boys arrested and released into custody of parents, Cautioned under the Juvenile Diversion Programme.
- Black Male 30s racially abused by a customer male 30s, Fixed Charge Notice under Public Order Act issued and paid.
- Male 20s verbally abused with homophobic comments whilst out socialising with friends. Male 20s provided Adult Caution.
- Male teenager subject to homophobic comments and minor assault by 3 male teenagers, who are subject to Youth Diversion Programme Cautions (section 26 Children Act 2001 Formal restorative caution)
Detailed statistics/ infographic are attached to this press release and will be published on the Garda website at the following link.
An Garda Síochána Hate Crime Policy can be found here.
An Garda Síochána Diversity & Integration Strategy 2019 – 2021 can be found here.
An Garda Síochána Online Hate Crime Reporting statistics can be found at the following link. These figures only refer to incidents reported through the online facility on the Garda website.
Link to Online Hate Crime Reporting Service
Link to current Garda Diversity Officer List
Link to Garda National Diversity and Integration Unit Home Page
