In a policy paper published yesterday, the rights body said this “would recognise that those with a disadvantaged socio-economic status do face discrimination on this basis and are, therefore, often excluded from both services and employment which, in turn, exacerbates income and wealth inequalities”.

The paper also suggests that strengthening Irish equality legislation would mean fewer people have to resort to the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) to vindicate their right not to be discriminated against.

Deirdre Malone, director in the Commission, said: “There are many people in Ireland who experience discrimination due to their address, accent, employment status or income. These, and other marginalised groups, must be protected under our equality laws.

“With less than a year left in the lifetime of this government, we cannot miss this opportunity to take action.

“Unlike other grounds of discrimination, poverty is often seen as a sort of ‘moral failure’, rather than a structural disadvantage.

“As we face housing and cost-of-living crises, and other challenges, the State has a vital opportunity to ensure that Ireland’s future is built on a firm foundation of commitment to human rights and equality.”