An Garda Síochána released its 2025 figures on hate crimes and hate related (non-crime) incidents, showing a 15% year-on-year increase to 780 cases, up from 676 in 2024. This fifth annual publication aligns with the Criminal Justice (Hate Offences) Act 2024, which recognises discriminatory motives linked to race, colour, nationality, religion, national or ethnic origin, descent, gender, sex characteristics, sexual orientation and disability.

Of the 780 total records in 2025, 688 were classified as hate crimes (592 in 2024) and 92 as hate related (non-crime) incidents (84 in 2024), representing a 15% overall rise in reporting to An Garda Síochána.

Anti-race remained the leading motive, accounting for 40% of all recorded motives (up from 39% in 2024). Anti-nationality fell to 23% (from 25% in 2024). Incidents involving anti-sexual orientation stayed level at 70 for the year, although their share of total motives declined from 10% to 8%.

Hate motives featured across a range of offences: public order (32%), minor assaults (16%), criminal damage (not by fire) (13%), assault causing harm (7%) and murder/threats (4%).

Regionally, just under half (49%) of incidents occurred in the Dublin Metropolitan Region. The Eastern Region accounted for 20%, the Southern Region 14% and the North-Western Region 16%. All regions saw year-on-year increases except the Southern Region. Gardaí reiterated that hate crime and hate related incidents are often under-reported and urged victims and witnesses to come forward. Reports can be made via the Online Hate Crime Reporting Portal, at any Garda station, or through the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.

The organisation continues to expand its network of Garda Diversity Officers, now numbering over 600 across every Garda division, to support victims and engage with minority communities. By the end of 2025, 4,500 Garda personnel had completed a Human Rights and Policing certificate programme delivered with the University of Limerick.

Welcoming the publication, Chief Superintendent Jane Humphries of the Garda National Community Engagement Bureau (GNCEB) said: "While we note that these figures do represent an increase in reporting of hate related matters, An Garda Síochána does welcome the fact that more people feel confident to make contact with us and make a report. It is acknowledged that Hate Crime and Hate Related Incidents are under-reported in Ireland, and this is why we encourage victims and those who witness such incidents to engage with us.

"When a person or group is targeted because of a fundamental characteristic, it has a very deep impact on that individual or group and as such cannot, and should not, be tolerated in Irish society as it tarnishes our values and what we stand for. Together we must continue to reject hate and discrimination and consistently remind one another that everyone has a right to live safely and free from prejudice. Incidents of this nature are not, and never will be, acceptable.

"And so today, I want to encourage anyone who has experienced an incident or crime which has been motivated by hate, to please come forward and report your experience. An Garda Síochána is committed to upholding the human rights of all, and will support you in any way that we can."