The government has launched a consultation in Northern Ireland on new legislation aimed at tackling so-called "hate crimes".

Under the proposals, maximum sentences for criminal damage would increase from 10 to 14 years.

Sentencing powers in cases of violent attacks would also increase, with judges taking into consideration any racial, religious or sexual orientation factors.

New figures show that attacks against ethnic minorities in Northern Ireland have risen 40 per cent in the last year, forcing many to leave their homes in south Belfast.

"I am putting forward plans to increase maximum sentences for certain offences, giving judges greater powers in sentencing where aggravation is proven," said Northern Ireland criminal justice minister John Spellar.

"This will give judges crucial powers to hand down sentences which fit the seriousness of the crime."

Cautious welcome

While the Northern Ireland Council for Ethnic Minorities welcomed efforts in this area, head of the organisation Patrick Yu argued that new legislation would be useless if perpetrators were not caught.

"We don't have confidence in the whole criminal justice system if no one is prosecuted," he said.

"There are cases with strong evidence but the director of public prosecution drops them without any reason.

"What we need to do is put more of these people in jail."

"We also need the police to secure good evidence," he added.

"Not all police officers are sympathetic to the needs of ethnic minorities, so there needs to be more anti-racism training."