Improved recording shows hate crime rise

There has been a “dramatic” increase in hate crime in recent years after changes in recording practices by gardaí, according to an international report.

The research, which examined the situation in five EU countries, found levels of hate crime recorded in 2016 were the highest since similar figures were gathered since 2006.

However, researchers, garda civilian statisticians, and civil groups believe the figures still “under-represents” the real level of hate crime in the country.