The Tanaiste says the rate of homophobic attacks in Ireland is 'extremely worrying.'
Speaking to the Journal, Leo Varadkar says there's a feeling in the gay community that these attacks are on the rise.
This follows the assault of 26 year-old Mark Sheehan in the early hours of Sunday morning - he was the victim of an unprovoked homophobic attack on a Dublin Bus, which left him with serious facial injuries.
The Tanaiste hopes firmer laws on hate crime will reduce incidents like these.
"In the community, I don't know if this is backed up by statistics, but in the community there is a feeling that there has been an increase in homophobic attacks in recent months.
"That is extremely worrying, I know the Minister for Justice has spoken to the Garda Commissioner about that.
"Based on what I've read I believe that the attack not he bus was inspired by homophobic feelings, and what Ms McEntee is doing now is changing our legislation on hate. We have existing laws on incitement to hatred, but they're written for a different time."
