The Council of Europe’s anti-racism body – the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) – claimed the measure was necessary as hate speech remains widespread in the Republic

The annual report on penal statistics in prisons by the Council of Europe identified Ireland as one of 15 countries in Europe where prisons have more inmates than places available.

Structural racism in Irish society is a barrier to progress on the rights of Travellers, a human rights commissioner said.

Ireland needs to do more to combat racism and discrimination against Travellers, Roma people and migrants, a human rights commissioner has said.

Prof O’Flaherty will be the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe

An Oireachtas committee is assessing the implications of the UK Illegal Migration Act on the Good Friday Agreement.

The Committee of Ministers expressed concerns that the act breached human rights obligations