There are calls for hate crime legislation to tackle Islamophobia in Ireland.

The Immigrant Council is releasing a study today highlighting the level of racism experienced by the country's 65,000 Muslim residents.

The body says new laws are needed to make racism unacceptable in our society.

Dr James Carr of the University of Limerick, who compiled the report, outlined the findings.

Dr Carr said: "There is this element of racism that is visited upon them that manifests on the street, but also in accessing education and accessing work.

"For example, issues such as wearing the hijab are problematic for some people when they are looking for work or trying to get a job as it were."