Gardaí asked to collect ethnicity data to ‘dispel far-right myths’
A spokesman said it is hoped the exercise will reassure those who ‘fear that there may be an undue policing focus on ethnic minorities’
The Policing Authority is working with An Garda Síochána on the collection of ethnicity data in relation to crime and policing.
The Department of Justice said it is hoped the exercise will help “dispel myths regarding the level of crime carried out by migrants in Irish society” and reassure those who “fear that there may be an undue policing focus on ethnic minorities”.
The news comes after concerns have continued to grow about the spread of far-right rhetoric in Ireland, where immigration is often linked with crime, and where groups try claim ethnic minorities are disproportionately responsible for serious and violent crimes.
