Reports of hate crimes increased by 4pc last year
More than 30pc of hate crimes were public order offences, while more than 20pc were minor assaults, 16pc were criminal damage not by fire and 7pc were assaults causing harm.
Just under half of all hate related incidents occurred in the Dublin Metropolitan Region, as was the case in the previous three years. However, there has been a reduction each year. The three other operational regions recorded were Eastern with 18pc of incidents, Southern at 17pc and North-Western at 16pc which was also much lower than in the previous twelve months.
Anti-race has remained the most prevalent discriminatory motive for hate related incidents. Anti-nationality makes up a quarter of motives, an increase of 7pc from last year.
Murder threats to kill or cause serious harm has featured higher this year with 27 incidents with a hate motive, an increase of 5pc from last year.
Chief Superintendent Padraic Jones said: "While these figures do indicate a further increase in the number of people that come forward to An Garda Síochána and report an incident of crime which was motivated by hate, we recognise that hate related crime is still underreported in Ireland.
"When a person or group is targeted because of a fundamental characteristic it is a stain on all of society. Together we must continue to reject hate and discrimination and consistently remind one another that everyone has a right to live safely and free from prejudice. Incidents of this nature are not and never will be acceptable.'
Spt Jones added: "I really encourage anyone that has experienced an incident of crime which has been motivated by hate to please come forward and report your experience – I assure you that we will support you in any way that we can.'
An Garda Síochána asks those working in community-based groups, schools, clubs, the voluntary sector and non-governmental groups who have not already done so to subscribe to the third-party referral process. This will have the benefit of further increasing the reporting of hate crimes to the force.
This would see cases referred directly to the Garda National Diversity Unit for investigation.
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