Hate crime refers to a criminal offence that is motivated, in whole or in part, by prejudice against a person’s identity. This may include race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or membership of the Traveller community.
Hate incidents can range from verbal abuse and harassment to physical assault or damage to property. Not all harmful behaviour will meet the legal threshold of a crime, but it can still have serious impact.
It is important to report incidents through the correct channel. The appropriate body depends on what happened and where it occurred.
If you experience racism
If you experience or witness racism, you can report it to the Irish Network Against Racism (INAR) through the iReport system.
The iReport mechanism allows individuals to document racist incidents confidentially. Reports can include verbal abuse, online hate, discrimination, harassment or other racist behaviour.
Reporting through iReport helps to:
• Record incidents that may not be reported to the police
• Build national data on racism
• Inform advocacy and policy reform
You can submit a report online through the INAR iReport website.
If you experience a criminal offence motivated by hate
If you have experienced assault, threats, criminal damage, harassment or any other criminal offence, you should report the matter to An Garda Síochána. If you are in immediate danger, call 999 or 112.
You can report a hate crime to the Gardaí by:
• Attending your local Garda station in person
• Reporting online through the Garda hate crime reporting portal
When reporting, it is important to state clearly that you believe the incident was motivated by prejudice or hate. This helps ensure that bias motivation is recorded.
What happens after a report is made to the Gardai?
If you report a hate crime through the Garda online hate crime reporting form, your report first goes to the Garda National Diversity Unit (GNDU). The GNDU reviews the report, takes appropriate action, and creates a PULSE incident where appropriate. The report is then forwarded to your local Garda district for investigation or follow-up depending on the nature of the report.
If you report in person at a Garda station, the investigating Garda may ask you to make a statement. You should then receive correspondence with key details such as the investigating Garda’s name and the PULSE number for the incident.
If you report at a local Garda station, you can request the assistance of a specially trained Garda Diversity Officer. You can also contact the Garda National Diversity Unit, who can act as a liaison with your local Garda station or Garda Diversity Officer if you do not wish to attend a station in person.
Once you’ve made a report:
- You should be offered a referral to victim support.
- You should be informed of any developments throughout the investigation.
Discrimination in the Workplace
If you experience discrimination, harassment or unfair treatment in the workplace on the basis of race, nationality, religion or other protected grounds, you may have a claim under equality legislation.
For information or to make a complaint, contact the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). The WRC provides information on your rights and explains how to submit a formal complaint if appropriate.
You can also read or download a free guide to taking an employment equality case from the Community Law and Mediation (CLM) website. CLM also offers free legal information, advice and mediation services.
Building Anti-Racism Practice in Schools
Schools play a central role in shaping inclusive and respectful communities. Developing effective anti-racism practice requires more than responding to incidents. It involves leadership, policy development, curriculum reflection and whole-school engagement.
For schools in Ireland seeking a structured approach, the Yellow Flag Programme provides a recognised framework for promoting equality, diversity and inclusion.
