Hate crime: Two fifths of Irish people surveyed believe hate is on the rise

The study by University of Limerick and Queen’s University Belfast also points to common misapprehensions, with 43% of respondents incorrectly believing hate crime legislation is already in place and a further 59% incorrectly believed a suspect can be charged with a hate crime. Stock picture: PA 

The majority of people believe that hate crime is a serious or very serious problem in their area, according to a major survey.

The research, compiled by the University of Limerick (UL) and Queen’s University Belfast, included input from some 2,000 people from either side of the border, and found that 39% of people think hate crimes have risen a lot over the last five years.