Crime Prevention
Dail Éireann — 2026-06-25
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Jim O'Callaghan (FF), Dublin Bay South

I thank the Deputy. It is worthwhile having this debate and discussion. My own view, as Minister for justice, is that An Garda Síochána, which is responsible for investigating the types of criminal offences to which the Deputy referred, is vigilant and aware of ensuring thorough investigations in respect of crimes that are motivated by hate. We see that in respect of people who are gay. We see it in respect of people because of their race. Once somebody assaults another person or commits a crime against that person, there must be an absolute commitment by An Garda Síochána to ensure that the crime is thoroughly investigated.
I regret to say that many crimes such as these in Ireland are motivated by the ignorance and prejudice of the attacker. It is difficult to determine the best way to reduce and respond to ignorance and prejudice in any society. The criminal justice system obviously plays a necessary role and I believe by having the hate offences legislation in place, we have that criminal justice response. The policing response is also necessary. When you look at the fact that we have 666 diversity officers, and the Garda takes these offences extremely seriously, it shows there is a policing response to it. Ultimately, the most significant response will be ensuring that people who are drowned in prejudice realise their prejudice emanates from a position and a place of ignorance. We all have a responsibility to try to emphasise again and again that discrimination, harassment or criminal attacks upon individuals because of inherent characteristics, such as their sexuality, is wholly unacceptable. Once that is explained to people, and it should be repeatedly explained to them because they need to be educated about it, there will be a positive response. I assure the Deputy that there is a vigilant legislative and policing response to these heinous crimes.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-06-25/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-27T06:54:51+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-06-25