Mark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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719. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the steps his Department and An Garda Síochána are taking to address a reported rise in racist assaults and attacks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55415/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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The Government is determined to stamp out hate-motivated crime and protect vulnerable communities. Attacks on migrant communities - whether physical, verbal, or online - are utterly unacceptable. Everyone has the right to live safely, free from intimidation or abuse regardless of background.

The introduction of the Criminal Justice (Hate Offences) Act 2024 strengthens the law by ensuring perpetrators face tougher penalties where hatred is proven to be a motivating factor, or where hatred is demonstrated based on the identity of the victim.

Legislation is only part of the picture.

An Garda Síochána takes hate crime very seriously. Every hate crime reported to An Garda Síochána is professionally investigated, and victims are supported during the criminal justice process.

I am informed that there are 536, specially trained Garda Diversity Officers in place nationwide to provide reassurance, build trust, and address concerns.

Gardaí are also actively engaged with advocacy groups to support minority and diverse communities.

In addition to strengthening the law, the National Action Plan against racism is being implemented over the five-year period 2023-2027. It is intended that through the achievement of its actions there will be a significant positive impact on all minority ethnic communities and faith-based groups, including the Indian community, in Ireland.

We have prioritised community engagement and involved stakeholders in shaping the Migration and Integration Strategy, which will be published in 2026. This outlines how we intend to meet the demands and the opportunities facing our society and economy over the next decade.

The Government is actively promoting inclusion through legislation and funding anti-racism initiatives; The Ireland Against Racism Fund enables non-government and community organisations to provide projects and local initiatives that combat racism and promote racial equality. To date, 52 projects have received funding amounting to €2.4 million under the scheme. This supports organisations to carry out integration projects at a national, regional or local level.