Ireland cannot afford cutbacks in equality and rights and needs to prioritise investment in promoting equality.

WOMEN who are pregnant, on maternity leave or returning to work after having a baby are being illegally targeted by employers engaged in cost-cutting exercises, according to the Equality and Rights Alliance.

A new report out today claims two of Ireland's biggest human rights watchdogs have been severely compromised by government interference.

A prestigious golf club was tonight accused of enforcing 19th century rules after it won a legal bid refusing women full membership.

One of Ireland’s most prestigious golf clubs today won a legal bid to refuse women full membership.

More than 80 organisations have supported a complaint to the European Commission, claiming that Ireland is in breach of EU equality law.

THE body representing more than 100 civil society groups who act on behalf of the marginalised in society has warned that dissenting voices are being silenced amid fears any criticism of the Government will see a cut in their funding.

Justice Minister Dermot Ahern is defending his decision to cut the budget of the Equality Authority.

Equality Authority chief Niall Crowley’s resignation over a funding cut was a principled and courageous stance, rights groups claimed today.

A coalition of groups working in the area of equality and human rights is due to outline its opposition to planned government cutbacks in the sector today.

Government plans to merge five equality and rights agencies are being met with increased opposition.