A new strategy promoting diversity and integration for members of An Garda Siochana was launched on Thursday.
Garda chiefs have placed a 'strong emphasis' on human rights as a foundation for providing future and current policing services.
According to programme notes, the strategy aims to provide a 'responsive, equal and accessible' policing service, particularly to minorities and persons from diverse backgrounds.
The new protocol will also aim to encourage the reporting of crimes against minority groups within the force and will be supported by the introduction of a tiered level of diversity training for Garda members.
Speaking about the new strategy, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said: "I am pleased to introduce our Diversity and Integration Strategy 2019 to 2021, which reflects An Garda Siochana’s strong commitment to engage proactively and respectfully with all members of society, and in particular, persons from minority groups and diverse backgrounds.
"Our engagement will be underpinned by our commitment to promote and embed our ethical standards as contained in the Code of Ethics for An Garda Síochána.
"An Garda Síochána is further pleased to deliver a working hate crime definition, which recognises the existing and emerging diverse composition of our communities, and aims to protect all minorities and diverse groups in society."
