The Garda today appointed a further ten liaison officers to work with members of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community.
And, as part of its "Be Proud, Be Safe" campaign, establishments frequented by people of diverse sexual orientation will be asked to distribute leaflets this Christmas raising awareness about the danger of hate crimes.
The leaflets include some basic advice that may help someone avoid becoming the victim of a crime.
The two new sergeants and eight officers of Garda rank announced today will supplement an existing three officers and all will be based in city centre locations in Dublin.
The appointments were welcomed by the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network's chief executive Keith O'Malley.
"There was quite a rise in homophobic crime around the centre of Dublin in the middle of the year and there were a number of responses from the lesbian and gay community and meetings were organised with the gardai.
"Essentially what they seek to do is bridge any communication gap between lesbian and gay people and An Garda Siochana as a force. They aim to make the service provided more accessible and appropriate to lesbians and gays," he said.
Additional reporting PA