Press Releases

The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (the Commission) has warned that victims of historic child sexual abuse in schools, many of whom should be considered as vulnerable, are still being forced through the Courts to secure their rights, due to the State’s narrow interpretation of the 2014 European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) judgment…

The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (“the Commission”) has called on Oireachtas Members in their discussions on Article 41.2 of the Constitution to consider deeply the need to recognise the contribution of all in the home. The Commission submitted its legislative observations to Oireachtas Members ahead of the summer recess and has today restated…

The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (‘the Commission’) has today (Thursday) been granted liberty by the Court of Appeal to appear as amicus curiae (‘friend of the court’) in two cases involving family reunification for naturalised refugees. The two cases raise significant human rights issues. In both, the Minister for Justice and Equality refused applications…

Implementation will be key to determining effective access The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (‘the Commission’) has today welcomed the announcement of a new scheme to allow for access to the labour market by applicants for international protection. The Commission, as part of its strategic litigation programme, acted as amicus curiae (friend of the…

Third Annual Report to the Houses of the Oireachtas highlights landmark legal interventions. 1,890 concerns raised by public, a 6% rise on previous year & topped by disability discrimination issues. Engagement with Oireachtas on key legislative and policy areas, new research published. Formal reporting on Ireland’s international obligations at the United Nations. Focus on Brexit…

Tarraingítear aird sa Tríú Tuarascáil Bhliantúil arna cur faoi bhráid Thithe an Oireachtais ar idirghabhálacha dlíthiúla cinniúnacha. Tharraing an pobal 1,890 cás imní anuas, méadú 6% ar an mbliain roimhe agus bhí cúrsaí idirdhealaithe a bhain le míchumas ar bharr an liosta. Rannpháirtíocht leis an Oireachtas i réimsí tábhachtacha reachtaíochta agus beartais, foilsíodh taighde nua….

Policy Statement Sets Out Legal and Policy Changes Required On World Refugee Day on the 20th of June, the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (“the Commission”) has criticised the narrowing of access to family reunification for people granted international protection. The Commission has described the 2015 legislative changes as “retrogressive” and is seeking change….

Human Rights and Equality Commission and ESRI Publish Findings New research has shown that specific groups, including people with disabilities, lone mothers and young people, are among those facing the highest levels of discrimination and inequality in relation to housing in Ireland. The new study entitled “Discrimination and Inequality in Housing in Ireland” draws on…

Commission Providing Legal Representation in Luxembourg to Men Who Sought to Challenge Age Discrimination  The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (‘the Commission’) has today appeared in Luxembourg before the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) for the first time in a case to determine whether the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) has the…