Got this from OFCOM - the tv regulator in England that I complained to about the Ray Houghton sketch in Euro 2004 - seems it wasn't in breach of the rules:

The programmes were not in breach.

There's a bit more to it about complaints from other sketches, I just left in the relevant bits

27 June
Ten viewers complained about an item in which Ray Houghton had to ‘prove’ he was Irish. Viewers were offended by what they felt was a stereotyped portrayal of Irish people. In particular, they objected to the inclusion of a person apparently intended to represent a gunman.

27 June
Ray Houghton participated in the ‘Phoenix from the Flames’ element of the show. The broadcaster said it regretted any distress caused to viewers who did not find the humour of this sketch to their taste. However Ray was very happy to participate and indeed found the sketch to be very funny. No malice was intended and the overall effect was ludicrous.

The ‘paramilitary’ figure in the programme of 27 June was played by the programme’s producer, a Dubliner. Although we acknowledge that the humour would not be shared by all viewers, we believe that it was not intended to be malicious or offensive.

The programmes were not in breach