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Latest / The Niall Boylan Podcast (They Told Me To Shut Up)

#876 No More Hidden Faces: Is It Time For An Irish Ban?

Should Ireland follow Portugal and ban full face coverings in public?

Niall Boylan is joined by journalist John McGuirk to debate whether Ireland should introduce a nationwide ban on clothing that conceals a person’s face in public, including the burqa and niqab.

Portugal has now introduced one of Europe’s newest face covering laws. Under Law No. 58/2026, published on 24 August, clothing designed to conceal the face or prevent identification will be prohibited in public streets, public services, businesses, sporting events and demonstrations. The law comes into force on 23 September 2026…

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