Ireland's human rights watchdog has criticised Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald's decision to restricting the scope of her surveillance review to the communications data of journalists.

The Irish Council for Civil Liberties has urged the Government to legislate for hate crime as a matter of urgency, saying it is widespread, yet “remains in the shadows” of our criminal justice system.

The Government is being called on to legislate for hate crimes.

A parliamentary body has been set up to help promote and protect human rights.