The Prohibition of Incitement to Hatred Act 1989

This Act makes it an offence to incite hatred against any group of persons in the State or elsewhere on account of their race, colour, nationality, religion, ethnic or national origins, or membership of the Traveller community. The Act covers all actions (Section 2), broadcasts (Section 3), preparation and possession of material (Section 4) likely to stir up hatred. Under Section 9 of this Act, Gardaí have a power of search and seizure (with the issue of a warrant). Section 10 entitles a member of the Garda Síochána who reasonably suspects that a person has committed an offence under Section 2 of this Act to arrest that person without warrant.

For further information: www.irishstatutebook.ie

Disability Act 2005

The Disability Act 2005 provides a statute-based right for people with disabilities to an assessment of disability-related health, personal social service, and education needs. In summary, the Disability Act's main aims are to provide for:

o Assessment of health and education needs of people with disabilities.

o Provision of resources to meet those needs.

o Making of plans for services.

o Complaints and appeals procedures.

o Access to public buildings, services and public service employment.

o Restrictions on genetic testing.

For further information: www.oireachtas.ie