New hate crime legislation has come into effect, which increases prison sentences for certain crimes motivated by hatred.
The Criminal Justice (Hate Offences) Act 2024 was created to protect people targeted because of their race, colour, sexual orientation, gender, and disability.
Minister for Justice Helen McEntee said that her department is "determined to stamp out hate-motivated crimes" and to "protect vulnerable communities."
Ireland had previously faced criticism from the Council of Europe and other international human rights bodies for not having specific or statutory provision for hate-aggravated offences.
"Up to now, Ireland has been one of the few remaining EU countries not to have specific hate crime offences set out in law," said Ms McEntee.
"This is despite An Garda Síochána recording certain crimes as hate crimes, and despite the fact that recorded hate crimes increased by 7.5% in 2023 and by 29% a year earlier."
She added that she was "delighted" to sign the order and to commence it in full, filling a gap in Irish laws.
"The development of the legislation followed a comprehensive public consultation process that included surveys, consultation and engagement with people with lived experience of the impact of hate speech and hate crime," said Minister McEntee.
"Research shows that victims of crime motivated by hate suffer significantly more distress as a result than victims of other types of crimes; with more adverse mental health and physical health outcomes."
Incitement to hatred and hate speech are criminalised separately under the Prohibition of Incitement to Hatred Act 1989.
