Amnesty International is calling on the government to work to strengthen human rights within the EU during its term as President of the European Council.
The human rights organisation has presented their EU Presidency recommendations to the Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore.
It has called on Ireland to work to strengthen efforts to combat violence against women.
It is also urging the government to address discrimination faced by Travellers.
'Every effort will be made'
The Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore welcomed the recommendations.
"The Amnesty International recommendations are ambitious; I would be disappointed if they were not" he said.
"The proposals are very detailed and fall within the remit of several government departments".
"I can assure Amnesty International that we will live up to our obligations and responsibilities as Presidency and that every effort will be made to take on board Amnesty International's recommendations" he added.
Director at Amnesty International is Colm O'Gorman.
He explains the importance of these issues.
