Human rights minister to push for U-turn on funding cuts

INTEGRATION Minister Mary White has indicated she intends to push for the reversal of savage cuts made to equality and rights bodies last year and increase their funding.

The Government faces a tough year ahead on the scrutiny of its human rights record, with deadlines fast approaching on signing up to international agreements.

Launching its annual report yesterday, the Irish Human Rights Commission (IHRC) said it was struggling to address gaps in human rights protection, surviving on philanthropic support and free legal help.

Ms White acknowledged the 2009 “savage cuts” hit state-backed rights groups and said she wanted to see no more budgets slashed.

But she also told reporters: “My wish would be in very difficult economic circumstances that we could look at what resource issues there are... and working with my colleagues and, if necessary, the Department of Finance to see can we protect the IRHC and increase their resources.

“What’s happened is in the past. And I’m a new minister and I want to make sure that we protect very valuable organisations like the Human Rights Commission, like the Equality Tribunal, like the Equality Authority, and I want to make sure that where there are gaps, that where possible in tough economic times, that we can look at getting further resources.”

Last year’s budget saw the IHRC’s funds cut by 32%, and the Equality Authority was by 43%.

IHRC president Maurice Manning said Ireland would come under intense scrutiny next year when the United Nations carries out a review of the country’s civil, political, economic and social rights.

“As never before, Ireland’s record will be placed under the spotlight in a political and global context.”

Ahead of the review, the commission has advised the Government to voluntarily sign up to a number of international conventions on disability and against torture as well as to end the process of slopping out and overcrowding in prisons.

The commission next month will seek opinions from the public on gaps in rights protection in Ireland.

Meanwhile, the commission in September will also produce up to 10,000 guidebooks on human rights issues for public servants.

The booklets will be delivered to a number of government departments initially as part of a plan to train servants in relation to equality, racial and women rights issues.