The Irish Human Rights Commission (IHRC) has today welcomed the significant Judgment of the High Court in a case involving a potentially unfair prosecution faced by a person with a mental disability. The case is important in that it recognises that a person with a mental disability should not be unfairly disadvantaged when they face…
This study looks at equality policies and flexible working arrangements in Irish workplaces. How prevalent are they? Do they have any benefits for workers and the organisations they work for? Has the recession changed the situation? The report first maps the incidence of formal equality policies and flexible working arrangements in 2009 and how this…
The Irish Human Rights Commission (IHRC) has recommended to Government that it should ensure that all children have effective access to primary and secondary schools in their local catchment area. In its submission to the Department of Education and Skills ‘Discussion Paper on a Regulatory Framework for School Enrolment’, the IHRC noted that 97% of…
The Working Group on the establishment of the new, enhanced Human Rights and Equality Commission is seeking input and ideas from civil society, members of the public and those interested in the future of human rights and equality in Ireland, on key questions arising from their Terms of Reference. This consultation process will help to…
The Irish Human Rights Commission (IHRC) was today granted permission by the High Court to appear as amicus curiae (non-partisan friend of the court) in the proceedings B.G. v District Judge Catherine Murphy, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Ireland and the Attorney General pursuant to Section 8(h) of the Human Rights Commission Act 2000. The…
The Irish Human Rights Commission (IHRC) and the Law Society of Ireland is today putting the spotlight on Ireland’s human rights record and the implications of Ireland’s first examination under the United Nations Universal Periodic Review (UPR). The purpose of the conference is to discuss the practical steps that need to be taken by the…
The IHRC is to appear as amicus curiae (or friend of the court) in the High Court proceedings Health Service Executive v MX which will likely be heard later this year. The High Court today confirmed that the Attorney General is also to be joined in the proceedings which will consider the issues arising in…
Serious Gaps in Human Rights Protection in Mental Health Act 2001 Press Release14 October 2011 The Irish Human Rights Commission (IHRC) today called for human rights standards to be at the core of the current review of the Mental Health Act 2001. In its submission to the Department of Health on the Proposed Review of…
Press Statement10 October 2011 IHRC welcomes draft legislation to provide statutory protection to children and vulnerable people, and calls for further human rights safeguards The Irish Human Rights Commission (IHRC) today welcomed the publication of draft legislation on vetting as a necessary step in identifying people who may pose a threat to children or vulnerable…
The Equality Authority welcomes reports from Geneva today that the Government is considering recognising the minority ethnic status of the Traveller Community. “The Equality Authority is heartened by this new approach to the recognition of the status of the Traveller Community by the Government and commends Minister Shatter’s initiative in this important area of concern….