Report says rights watchdogs 'compromised'

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

The study says the Equality Authority and the Irish Human Rights Commission both fail to meet international standards on independence and transparency.

It paints a picture of secretive staff appointments, legislative changes and discretionary budget funding.

Joanna McMinn from the Equality and Rights Alliance, the group that carried out the study, said government control is making a mockery of what a watchdog organisation is meant to be.