A NEW REPORT from a European body has said legislation banning hate speech and improving accommodation for international protection applicants are “matters of priority” in Ireland.

The European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI), set up by the Council of Europe,  said hate speech “remains widespread” and is most commonly anti-migrant in nature.

It said that “ill-informed responses” from some politicians to events in local communities has further fuelled hatred and escalated tensions.

On December 31st, 2024, Ireland enacted the Criminal Justice (Hate Offences) Act 2024. The decision was taken in September last year to remove legislation relating to hate speech from the act due to a lack of consensus within government at the time.

In May the European Commission said Ireland is allegedly “failing” to comply with laws, first agreed to in 2008, surrounding the criminalisation of race-based violence and hatred.

But the government has repeatedly pointed to existing legislation that criminalises the incitement to hatred and hate speech, under the Prohibition of Incitement to Hatred Act 1989.

The report also highlighted the level of hate speech directed at LGBTI+ people, adding that there has been a “notable deterioration in attitudes” towards transgender and intersex communities – with many now feeling unsafe to express their sexual orientation or gender identity in public.

It also advised that despite An Garda Síochána publishing hate crime data on an annual basis, there is still a lack of data on the issue, and its investigation, prosecution, conviction and sentencing.

15 recommendations

The report made a total of 15 recommendations to reduce racism and intolerance in Ireland.

Another issue highlighted by the report is that Travellers and Roma continue to face high levels of racism and discrimination “across all areas of life”, including education, employment, housing, and health.

It also said there has been a “stark decline in the mental health of LGBTI+ people”, calling for the prohibition of conversion practices and medically unnecessary and non-consensual surgeries performed on intersex children.

It criticised the lack of resources given to the states human rights body the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC), which it said will reduce effectiveness of new mandates given to the body.

It was also critical of human rights education in schools, outlining that the quality varies “significantly depending on schools and teachers”.

Positive changes

The body welcomed several changes in Ireland since 2019, including the launch of a new National Action Plan Against Racism, the preparation of a draft National LGBTQI+ Inclusion Strategy and new mechanisms for dealing with hate crime.

It also highlighted new measures concerning Travellers and Roma, including the first Traveller and Roma Education Strategy 2024-2030, as well as efforts to support staff in fostering inclusiveness in schools.