‘Grim time’ for equality bodies as independence breached

IT is a “grim time” for equality and human rights in Ireland as the independence of the Equality Authority and the Irish Human Rights Commission (IHRC) have been severely breached, it has been claimed.

A new report claims the behind-closed-doors system of selection and appointment and accountability to Government ministers and departments rather than parliament means the hampering of independence and freedom of expression.

Commissioned by Equality & Rights Alliance (ERA), a coalition of over 130 organisations and activists, the report is to be used to bolster evidence for a legal complaint to the European Commission that Ireland is in breach of EU equality law.