The Justice Minister has outlined how new hate crime legislation will be enforced.
It's understood two tests will be required when deciding whether something is a hate crime or not.
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Campaigners are welcoming news that legislation for safe access zones will be in place by the end of the year.
Yesterday the Health Minister said he hopes to have Cabinet approval soon, with a view to fast-tracking the legislation through the Oireachtas in the autumn.
The new laws would make it illegal for protests to take place within 100 metres of places like abortion clinics and maternity hospitals
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The number of people in public hospitals with Covid-19 has increased by 13 percent in the past week.
There were 967 receiving treatment last night, compared to 856 at the same time seven days ago.
Yesterday the World Health Organisation called for countries to reverse cuts to testing and tracing - warning the pandemic is nowhere near over.
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Voting in the race to become the next British Prime Minister gets underway today.
It's the first in a series among MPs before the top two candidates are put before party membership.
There are eight contenders on the shortlist which includes the likes of Rishi Sunak, Liz Truss and Tom Tugendhat.
