Dublin city councillors would have to consider official advice before flying flags of countries not recognised by the Government, according to proposed new rules.
The council's Protocol Committee has agreed a draft policy following controversy over the flying of the Catalan and Palestinian flags over city hall last year.
The draft flags policy would allow 'guest flags' to be flown following a majority vote of councillors but "due consideration" would have to be given to advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs where a nation or state is not recognised by the Government.
Also no flag would be allowed that represented a position espousing hatred, violence, racism or policies contrary to the city's by-laws.
The flag can only fly for seven days once a year and there would not be any flag raising ceremonies in City Hall.
The draft policy specifies that where three flagpoles are in place, as on City Hall, the order is from left to right: the National Flag, Dublin Municipal Flag and flag of the European Union.
Guest flags would normally replace the European flag.
The policy would apply to flags on all civic buildings including the Mansion House, Civic Offices and other council buildings.
It details arrangements for the flying of flags at half mast and for the flying of flags of sovereign states or twin cities. The National Flag and Dublin Flag would only be flown during daylight hours unless floodlit.
The draft policy will be voted on during a full council meeting next week.
