New Report Published On Hate Crime

A new report has been published on hate crime in Ireland, recommending changes in legislation.

The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission published the "Lifecycle of a Hate Crime" report.

The report reveals that Ireland has some of the highest instances of hate crime against Africans and transgender people in the EU, without laws to address the problem.

It suggests amendments to legislation on incitement to hatred and sentencing, new procedures for investigating hate crimes and better mechanisms for reporting and recording of hate-motivated crimes.

Minister for Justice and Equality Charles Flanagan will examine the report and bring forward proposals.

Fianna Fáil TD for Equality, Immigration and Integration Fiona O'Loughlin TD has her voiced her concerns over Minister Flanagan's promises.

She said: "His record to date on this issue has been abysmal and he has ignored the proposals put forward by Fianna Fáil to tackle hate crimes. The 'Criminal Justice (Aggravation by Prejudice) Bill' that I brought before the Dáil seeks to legislate for hate crimes. It received cross party support yet the Government has been dragging its feet on allowing the Bill to progress through the Oireachtas.

"Minister Flanagan should be upfront with people and acknowledge that he has frustrated efforts to legislate against hate crimes. His recent statement makes it seem as if this is an issue that has only just come to his attention. That is far from the truth. I have been raising this issue with him and his predecessor for 18 months now. Despite this the Government has failed to show any leadership on this issue."

(CM)