Mergers won’t make a difference

THE National Women’s Council of Ireland (NWCI), has a strong mandate representing 500,000 of the country’s two million women.

Thu, 18 Sep, 2008 - 01:00

Letters

The NWCI has joined with more than 45 other civil society groups in the Equality & Rights Alliance (ERA).

The ERA campaign is gathering support with every passing day as ordinary citizens realise their rights will be affected by the Government’s proposal to merge the Equality Authority and the Irish Human Rights Commission with the Equality Tribunal, the Data Protection Commission and the National Disability Authority.

What is the point in being a member of the EU, which introduces progressive legislation in equality and human rights, if our Government decides to target the fledgling voices of the representatives of the most vulnerable members in society as a ‘response’ to our economic downturn.

It makes no sense that the bodies which have helped enhance Ireland’s international ranking and reputation should be arbitrarily merged.

Why does the Government wish to minimise advocacy rights for older people, families, children, people with disabilities, carers, immigrants, workers, Travellers, gay and lesbian people, women and pretty much anyone who may experience discrimination?

This misguided proposal for rationalisation of agencies with their singularly separate remits defies all democratic principles. It will not make any significant difference to assist the Department of Finance’s wish to secure necessary savings in 2008 and the proposed submissions for the estimates of expenditure 2009-2011.

Indeed, a ‘superbody’ will most likely cost more. So why then rationalise these agencies at all?

Cui bono?

On behalf of the executive board of the NWCI:

Aileen Heverin

Women of North East Galway

Breda Raggett

Irish Countrwomen’s Association

Clare Treacy

Irish Nurses Organisation

Ellen O’Malley-Dunlop

Dublin Rape Crisis Centre

Isobel Butler