Equality Minister Aodhán Ó Ríordáin has criticised people protesting against emergency accommodation for Traveller families caught up in the Carrickmines blaze, saying their views “remind me of Alabama in the 1950s”.

The junior minister with responsibility for housing has said he expects local authorities across the country to step up to their responsibilities when it comes to providing Traveller accommodation.

Last week, we learned a lot about the quality of public mourning when it is put to the test. We also had a reminder of the depressing prejudice that persists in this society, writes Michael Clifford

Here’s a briefing on some of the stories and issues highlighted on irishexaminer.com today.