Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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518. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the measures being taken by his Department and by An Garda Síochána to address crimes motivated by homophobia in the State; and if he will outline the positive work to build relationships between his Department, Gardaí and members of the LGBTI community. [9353/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland is, in general, a diverse and welcoming country, but regrettably there is a small minority who subject others to abuse or attack resulting from their own prejudice. This behaviour cannot and will not be tolerated and anyone subjected to crimes motivated by homophobia should report it to An Garda Síochána.

The Criminal Justice (Hate Offences) Act 2024 came into force, in full, on 31 December last. This legislation provides for increased prison sentences for certain offences, where they are proven to be motivated by hatred, or where hatred is demonstrated.

For example, the legislation ensures that assault aggravated by hatred, or damage to property aggravated by hatred, will attract higher prison sentences. Where hatred is not proven, a person can still be charged with assault or damage to property.

This ensures protections for victims, regardless of their background, if they are targeted because of certain identity characteristics, namely - race; colour; nationality; religion; national or ethnic origin; descent; disability; gender; sex characteristics and sexual orientation.

The Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, which includes the training of Garda members and recruits and the allocation of resources.

As part of an organisational response to Hate Crime, An Garda Síochána have taken a number of initiatives which allow for the professional recording and investigation of hate-related offences.

These include:

• Introduction of working definitions for Hate Crime and Hate Incidents;
• Daily monitoring of all Hate Crimes/Incidents;
• Introduction of perception-based recording for Hate Crimes/Incidents. The perception of the victim or other relevant person is the defining factor at the reporting stage. No additional evidence is required;
• Recording of non-crime Incidents with discriminatory motives;
• Launch of Garda Online Hate Crime Reporting Service;
• Internal Hate Crime Communications Strategy;
• Public Hate Crime Media Campaign “Hate Crime is Unacceptable – Let’s Stop Hate Together”

Specific work with the LGBTQI+ community includes:

• Development and national roll out of Hate Crime training which includes representation from the LGBTQI+ community;
• Inclusion of representatives from the LGBTQI+ community in Garda Diversity Officer Training;
• The Garda National Diversity Unit (GNDU) maintains personal contact with LGBTQI+ communities at a national level, supporting events and contributing to all opportunities to learn and develop internally and externally;
• The GNDU facilitates ‘dialogue days’ with LGBTQI+ communities and Garda Diversity Officers;
• The GNDU supports industry leaders with regard to supporting LGBTQI+ staff where appropriate;
• The GNDU hosted a national Conference for Garda Inspectors held on 26th and 27th February 2025 which included a guest speaker from the Transgender Community to upskill leaders within An Garda Síochána on understanding discrimination and how to challenge it;
• Cultural Awareness Training will be delivered to all ranks and Grades of An Garda Síochána in 2025;
• The impending commencement of the Policing Security and Community Safety Act will offer further opportunities to enhance engagement with the LGBT community such as; Local Community Safety Partnerships.