The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission is Ireland’s national human rights and equality
institution.
We are an independent public body that accounts to the Oireachtas, with a mandate established
under the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 (IHREC Act 2014). The IHREC
Act includes and further enhances the functions of the former Irish Human Rights Commission
and the former Equality Authority.
Our purpose is to protect and promote human rights and equality in Ireland and build a culture of
respect for human rights, equality and intercultural understanding across Irish society.
Our work is determined independently by the fifteen members of the Commission who were
appointed by our Head of State, President Michael D. Higgins, in 2014. The diverse membership
of the Commission broadly reflects the nature of Irish society.