Ratification CERD: yes in 2001, Ireland has also agreed to individual petitions under Article 14.

Extracts from state reply to Durban Review questionnaire:
In 2001 it launched a three-year anti-racism awareness programme entitled "Know Racism", with the aim of stimulating awareness of racism and respect for cultural diversity. The programme completed its three-year term in December 2004 and has been followed by the National Action Plan Against Racism (NCCRI). Although the Prohibition of Incitement to Hatred Act is robust, there is currently no criminal law provision, which defines racist offences.

Link to the full document:
http://www2.ohchr.org/english/issues/racism/DurbanReview/docs/session1/MemberStates/Ireland.pdf

Extracts from ECRI's third report (adopted in December 2006):
The Equal Status Act has been adopted in 2004 and incorporates a number of provisions in the EC directives on equal treatment. In 2005 a new (police) Ombudsman Commission was created, which has the power to investigate complaints against police officers including for racial discrimination. The criminal legislation has not been amended to include sufficiently strong provisions for combating racist acts, which affect in particular visible minorities and Travellers. Measures for integrating Travellers into society need to be reinforced.

Link to the full document:
http://www.coe.int/t/e/human_rights/ecri/1-ecri/2-country-by-country_approach/ireland/ireland_cbc_3.asp#P69_3767

ECRI land reports in French and when present in the original language of the country:
French