Malcolm Byrne
Question:375. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the actions being taken to combat the rise in antisemitism in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23385/26]
View answerThursday, 26 March 2026
Questions (375)
Written answers
Any acts of hostility or prejudice towards any community of people in Ireland are unacceptable. Ireland has a longstanding commitment to supporting freedom of religion or belief, equality and non-discrimination. The Government is determined to stamp out hate-motivated crimes and to protect all minority communities, including Jewish people, from discrimination.
In the context of rising antisemitism worldwide, I, and Minister O’Callaghan, are conscious of the concerns people have raised in the course of our work and would like to give our assurance that every effort is being made to ensure Jewish people are protected within Ireland. In that regard, the Department has been engaging closely with the Garda Commissioner on ensuring sufficient protections are in place to protect the Jewish community in Ireland.
The Garda National Diversity Unit, operating with the Garda National Community Engagement Bureau (GNCEB) has long established positive relationships with representatives of the Jewish Community in Ireland. In recent times, owing to an increase in antisemitic sentiment, this engagement has strengthened with members of AGS visiting synagogues and providing outreach on a national and local level with the Jewish community.
More broadly, the Anti-Racism Policy Unit in the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration is responsible for matters relating to racism, Islamophobia and Antisemitism, and coordination of the National Action Plan Against Racism. A senior official from the Anti-Racism Policy Unit currently represents Ireland as the National Coordinator on Combatting Anti-Semitism (EU).
The government is dedicated to combatting the harmful effects of racism and prejudice while fostering a culture of equity, inclusion, and universal human rights. Tackling antisemitism is an increasingly important part of this work, as there can be no place for antisemitism and anti-Semitic rhetoric in Ireland.