The Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) has today welcomed a European report on racism in Ireland.
The European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI), today released a report examining racism in Ireland in which it recognises that positive developments have occured but details grounds for concern.
It points out that the National Action Plan Against Racism was unveiled in 2005, and that several recommendations made by the human rights audit on the police force regarding combating racism and racial discrimination are being implemented.
"But the criminal legislation has not been amended to include sufficiently strong provisions for combating racist acts which affect in particular visible minorities and Travellers," the report states.
"Further measures are necessary to raise members of minority groups' awareness of existing mechanisms for seeking redress against racism and racial discrimination.".
The ICCL said the report "calls for reform of anti-discrimination law and strongly criticises Ireland's track record in implementing international human right standards.
"The report also lists half a dozen international anti-discrimination treaties that Ireland has failed to ratify since ECRI last reported on Ireland five years ago."
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform Michael McDowell said today: "I welcome this report and, in particular, the recognition by ECRI of the significant progress made by Ireland since their last Report in 2001.
"Since the last report, the European Convention on Human Rights has been incorporated into Irish law. In addition, the Equal Status Act 2004 incorporates provisions in the EU Directives on equal treatment."
But ICCL Director Mark Kelly said that the report highlights that Ireland's Equal Status Acts "do not provide protection against discrimination by national and local authorities in key areas such as health, education and housing".
He cited the example of a case in the High Court yesterday, where judge Ms Justice Laffoy found that "a family of severely disabled young Travellers could not use the Equal Status Acts to hold South Dublin County Council to account for the 'appalling' and 'unacceptable' conditions in which they live.
"Implementing ECRI's recommendation for legal reform should be a high priority for the incoming Government," he added.
The ICCL also stated that the ECRI report "strongly recommends" that the new Government take account of the views of non-governmental bodies on the upcoming Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill and stresses the need for an integration strategy for black and ethnic minorities, refugees, asylum seekers and migrant workers.