Noeline Blackwell

The rights body has submitted its report to the UN committee on economic, social and cultural rights as part of Ireland’s fourth periodic review and ahead of an oral dialogue between the committee and State representatives in February.

It raises particular concern over the housing and homelessness crises, extreme poverty, income and wealth inequalities and the climate.

In a parallel report, the Commission expresses its concern over the “alarming trajectory” of ESC rights in Ireland despite the country’s economic development since the last periodic review in 2015.

Noeline Blackwell, member of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, said: “Our polling shows that 85 per cent of people believe everyone should be treated equally regardless of who you are or where you come from. Despite this, our submission confirms that in terms of economic, social and cultural rights, Ireland is moving in the opposite direction.

“There are no simple or piecemeal solutions to creating a fairer and more equal Ireland. Progress will rely on a whole effort from the State, through committed investment, strategic and structural reform, and rigorous implementation.

“It requires leadership and brave decision-making that acknowledges the lack of progress made so far, the multi-generational, intractable nature of many of the issues raised and a determined ambition to materially improve the situation of many in our country that suffer inequality in all its forms.”