A measurable rise in hate across Ireland has prompted the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) to support calls for a new national action plan. The commission says tackling hostility requires more than criminal justice measures, with prevention, education, community investment and stronger social cohesion also needed.
IHREC chief commissioner Liam Herrick made the comments on Thursday at a press conference hosted by LGBT Ireland and Outhouse during the ILGA-Europe Conference, a major gathering of LGBTI activists, organisations and allies from Europe and Central Asia.
IHREC backs national action plan to combat hate
Representatives from communities affected by hate called on the Government to develop and implement a comprehensive and properly resourced national plan. The proposal would address the conditions that allow hatred to spread, while supporting communities that experience abuse and intimidation.
Herrick described the rise in hate as one of the most serious human rights and equality challenges facing Irish society. He said hate can appear in different forms, from everyday microaggressions to hate speech and hate crime, with consequences for both individuals and communities.
“The growing problem of hate in Ireland, including homophobic and transphobic hate, requires a co-ordinated, whole-of-society response,” Herrick said.
He also pointed to the role of technology in changing how hate is distributed. Online platforms can allow abusive material to spread quickly and reach people far beyond the original incident or community.
Key facts
- IHREC supports calls for a national action plan to combat hate.
- The proposed plan would include prevention, education and community investment.
- LGBT Ireland representatives described significant effects on young people and LGBTI+ communities.
- Speakers said criminal justice responses alone would not address the wider causes of hate.
Why campaigners say criminal justice measures are not enough
The IHREC position is that enforcement must form part of a broader response. A national strategy could also focus on early intervention, public education, support services and measures designed to strengthen trust between communities.
That approach reflects the range of behaviour described at the event. Hate may begin with hostile remarks or repeated online abuse, but can create fear, isolation and changes to how people live their daily lives. For some LGBTI+ people, this includes avoiding certain locations, changing how they dress or refraining from showing affection in public.
Tim Hanley, advocacy and research manager at LGBT Ireland, said the impact of rising hostility was being felt by LGBTI+ people in ordinary public spaces. He referred to the contrast between the progress represented by the 2015 marriage equality referendum and the continuing fear experienced by some people in 2026.
Young people face particular mental health concerns
Kieran O’Donovan, chief executive of Belong To, said the consequences were especially visible among young people. He cited figures indicating that 72 per cent of LGBTI+ community members had experienced online or verbal abuse, while one in four had experienced physical abuse.
O’Donovan said hostility can cause lasting damage to young people’s mental health. He also referred to research showing that LGBTI+ people are three times more likely to self-harm and five times more likely to attempt suicide than their peers.
Those figures underline why campaigners are seeking a coordinated response involving schools, youth services, community groups, public bodies and Government departments. They argue that prevention and support need to operate alongside any legal response.
Technology has changed how hate spreads
Speakers at the event said online communication has altered both the speed and reach of abusive content. Digital hostility can follow people into their homes, schools and workplaces, while posts and messages can be shared widely within minutes.
The concern extends beyond individual incidents. Repeated exposure to threatening or dehumanising language can contribute to a wider sense of insecurity, particularly for groups already facing discrimination. This is one reason campaigners want a national plan to include digital literacy, education and stronger community resilience.
The proposed strategy would also need to recognise that different communities can experience hate in different ways. A coordinated national framework could set shared objectives while allowing local organisations to respond to the circumstances in their own areas.
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Progress and concern exist side by side
Kate O’Connell, equality and intercultural programme officer with the National Youth Council of Ireland, said youth workers had observed rapid changes in the normalisation of hostility. At the same time, she pointed to positive developments, including the growth of Pride parades in rural areas and the increased visibility of Pride flags.
That contrast was a recurring theme at the event: social progress and public support for inclusion can exist alongside fear and discrimination. Campaigners say visible inclusion should be matched by practical protections and properly funded services.
What happens next?
The immediate call is for the Government to develop and implement a comprehensive national action plan. The source material does not indicate that such a plan has yet been announced or adopted.
If the proposal progresses, key questions are likely to include:
- Which Government department will lead the strategy?
- How will affected communities help shape its priorities?
- What funding will be available for prevention, education and support?
- How will progress and the prevalence of hate be measured?
- How will online abuse and hate crime be addressed together?
Until those details are clarified, the debate remains focused on the need for a long-term, whole-of-society response rather than a single legislative or policing intervention.
Frequently asked questions
What is the national action plan being proposed?
It is a proposed Government strategy to combat hate through prevention, education, community investment, social cohesion and support for affected communities.
Who supports the call?
IHREC has fully supported the call, alongside representatives from LGBT Ireland, Outhouse, Belong To and the National Youth Council of Ireland.
Why is technology relevant?
Speakers said technology has changed how quickly and widely hate can spread, increasing the exposure of individuals and communities to online abuse.
Does the proposal focus only on hate crime?
No. The discussion covered a spectrum ranging from microaggressions and hate speech to hate crime, with campaigners calling for prevention and community support as well as enforcement.
Conclusion
The call for a national plan comes as equality organisations warn that hate is having measurable and personal effects across Ireland. The central message from IHREC and community representatives is clear: tackling hate requires coordinated action that combines accountability with education, prevention, investment and support. As Breaking News Ireland develops, the next significant step will be whether the Government turns that call into a funded national strategy.
