21/03/2014

Shatter Publishes Rights And Equality Merger Bill

A Bill has been published today that will see the merger of the Equality Authority and the Human Rights Commission, a move first proposed in October 2011.

The merger is designed to strengthen and enhance Ireland’s institutions for protection of equality and human rights.

Publishing the Bill, Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence Alan Shatter said: "I am confident that the stronger legislative base which the Bill will provide, with enhanced powers and a wider mandate, together with measures the government has taken to reverse the disproportionate cuts of the past – an additional €2 m provided for IHREC in Budget 2014 and an interim staffing complement of 47 – will ensure that the new Commission is well placed to be successful in its forthcoming application to the UN to obtain re-accreditation as Ireland’s recognised National Human Rights Institution."

(MH/IT)

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