There needs to be a change in how An Garda Síochána deal with Travellers.
That's according to Equality Minister Roderic O'Gorman, following the publication of a large-scale report on Travellers relationship with the justice system.
The University of Limerick (UL) study found 91% of the Travellers surveyed feel disrespected by Gardaí.
Some 89% believe the Gardaí are more strict in dealing with Travellers compared to settled people.
While 82% of Travellers believe judges are more strict on them compared to others.
And 95% of the general population believe Gardaí treat people with respect - but 91% of Travellers do not believe this.
Minister O'Gorman told Newstalk Breakfast: "That's a really stark contrast, and it's very unsettling: everybody should feel confident in our police force.
"We know there has been ingrained prejudice against Travellers across all elements of Irish society for decades.
"And we see this being reflected in terms of Travellers concerns with An Garda Síochána".
Minister O'Gorman says Gardaí are making "significant changes" around their approach to diversity.
"Changes that are happening in the Gardaí - both the training, but also I think the fact that members of the Gardaí are taking responsibility for diversity and inclusion issues at a more senior level - is really important.
"I think we need to see a change in the approach of An Garda Síochána.
"I chaired the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy, which is about addressing prejudice against Travellers across all elements of Irish society.
"An Garda Síochána are part of that - so I think it's important just to monitor changes that happen in An Garda Síochána".
Co-author of the report, UL Professor Jennifer Schweppe, says more training needs to be carried out to educate Gardaí and judges.
"Anti-traveller racism is the last accepted form of racism in Irish society.
"And in the same way that it exists in society as a whole, it exists in criminal justice institutions.
"One of our key recommendations is with respect to training across and within criminal justice institutions.
"That applies to the Guards in as much as it applies to judges", she adds.
