IRELAND is one of only five EU countries where an increase in racist crimes was reported, according to the EU Fundamental Rights Agency.

THE recession has seen an increase in the discrimination and targeting of minorities, the outgoing state-funded authority on racism has said.

IRELAND has seen a 20% increase in the level of racist crimes and violence since the millenium — the fifth biggest increase in the European Union.

TRAVELLER children must be fully integrated in secondary schools as a matter of urgency, the head of an EU anti-racism body has claimed.

The segregation of Traveller children in the education system must be stopped, a report said today.

Elderly people who were illegally charged for nursing home care should be fully refunded, it was claimed today.

THE Government was criticised yesterday for failing to fulfil its commitment to meet today’s deadline for implementing an EU directive against racism.

URGENT moves must be made to stop false and dangerous prejudices resulting in increased levels of racism, the chairperson of the Government-funded Know Racism campaign has warned.