Ireland is in need of hate legislation as bullying and violence are the biggest concerns facing the gay community, research recommends.

Jane* has not slept for more than two weeks, has barely eaten, and still shakes from the trauma. She will not stay any longer in what her children call the “scary movie house” in west Dublin.

Specific offences should be urgently introduced to criminalise the motivations of people who carry out hate crimes, according to a new study.

Gardaí have been urged to do more to encourage racial diversity within their ranks after a report showed most victims of racist incidents don’t officially report them and the majority of those who do feel badly treated at the Garda station.