Mr O’Flaherty, the first Irish person to hold the key post in the Council of Europe, conducted an official visit to Ireland from 7-11 October, during which he focused on the human rights of Travellers and Roma and on issues related to refugees, asylum seekers and migrants.

“The persistent racism and discrimination against Travellers and Roma in Irish society require sustained attention across government,” he said in a statement today.

“I commend the adoption of important strategies and action plans to combat racism, improve the inclusion of Travellers and Roma, and address shortcomings in their access to education and health. Communities are now looking forward to the prompt implementation of these policies at all levels through effectively functioning structures and secure funding.”

During his visit, the commissioner heard from members of the Traveller community and researchers about Travellers’ negative experiences of the justice system, including overpolicing and ethnic profiling.

He said: “I welcome government and prison service efforts to improve community support for minority prisoners. However, more attention should be paid to addressing the causes that lead to the over-representation of Travellers in prisons, including policing practices and the criminalisation of trespassing.

“Concerted efforts are required to ensure that Travellers can have the same trust in the gardaí as the majority population.”

He also visited several halting sites in Dublin and Limerick — some without access to electricity, adequate sanitation facilities or plumbing — as well as taking part in a ceremony in Limerick dedicated to the memory of Travellers who have died of suicide.

In today’s statement, Mr O’Flaherty also highlighted education challenges, saying he was struck by the disproportionate application of reduced timetables for Traveller and Roma children in schools, excluding them from substantial parts of the curriculum.

His observations on the human rights situation of Travellers and Roma in Ireland are forthcoming.

Meanwhile, on asylum seekers, Mr O’Flaherty said he was alarmed by the number of international protection applicants unaccommodated by the State — a situation which recently led the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission to take legal action in the High Court.

Mr O’Flaherty said: “I highly appreciate the continued welcome extended by Ireland to Ukrainian beneficiaries of temporary protection and people fleeing conflict or persecution elsewhere, and the efforts made to address the long-standing shortages in accommodation.

“However, there are over 2,800 men currently exposed not only to adverse weather conditions but also growing hostility against them. I note that the government recognises the extent of this challenge and urge it to resolve the situation before the onset of winter.”