Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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385. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the measures in place to combat the rise of antisemitism in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68956/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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The Government is determined to stamp out hate-motivated crimes and to protect all minority communities, including Jewish people, from discrimination. This is being actively achieved through legislation, policy and the provision of supports.

Ireland’s approach to tackling antisemitism is that it is addressed together with other forms of discrimination against minority groups as part of the National Action Plan against Racism (NAPAR) 2023-27. This is consistent with the approach recommended by the independent Anti-Racism committee that developed the NAPAR.

On a policy level, Ireland’s National Action Plan Against Racism represents a national level, State-led, co-ordinated approach to eliminating racism in all its forms in Ireland. The actions aim to have a significant positive impact on all minority ethnic communities and faith-based groups.

The Criminal Justice (Hate Offences) Act 2024 came into effect at the start of this year. The new legislation provides for increased prison sentences for certain crimes, where they are proven to be motivated by hatred, or where hatred is demonstrated based on the identity of the victims.

Every hate crime reported to An Garda Síochána is professionally and thoroughly investigated and victims supported during the criminal justice process.

Combatting antisemitism is also priority for the EU and all its Member States. EU action in this area is guided by the European Commission Strategy on Combatting Antisemitism and Fostering Jewish Life and related Council Conclusions.

The vast majority of EU Member States, including Ireland, have also endorsed the Global Guidelines for Countering Antisemitism. These legally non-binding guidelines provide a framework to monitor and combat antisemitism that can be adapted to a wide variety of national, regional, and cultural contexts.