Warning merger must lead to strong equality institution
Angela Kerins expressed hope the planned merger of the Equality Authority with the Irish Human Rights Commission would result in a strong institution that would promote equality, defend victims of discrimination, and enhance human rights.
Government plans to merge the two bodies have been criticised by equality and human rights campaigners.
However, Justice Minister Alan Shatter insisted the merger will ensure the body (which will be called the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission) will be strong and more effective than the sum of its constituent parts.
Mr Shatter pointed out the Government had taken on board all of a working group’s recommendations on the legislation required to create the new body.
He said he fully appreciated the importance and value of an impartial and robust equality and human rights infrastructure and stressed the appointment of commissioners would be objective and outside the influence of the Government.
Speaking at the launch of the final annual report of the Equality Authority yesterday, Mr Shatter said it had developed a reputation and sphere of influence far beyond its actual size.
He said the authority could be confident it had advanced equality of opportunity and the fight against discrimination not only in Ireland but across the EU.
Mr Shatter claimed the merger was one of the most important initiatives he had undertaken as minister.
Ms Kerins said one of its longest-lasting legacies would be educational measures undertaken in schools as well as community and business groups.
She called for changes to legislation to ensure the mothers of surrogate babies could avail of maternity leave and other child welfare benefits.
The Equality Authority handled 8,168 queries from the public in 2011.
