The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (“the Commission”) is the independent statutory authority in Ireland mandated to protect and promote human rights and equality and to encourage the development of a culture of respect for human rights, equality and intercultural understanding in the State.
The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission welcomes the decision of Government to establish a commission of investigation and considers that it is critically important that the investigation be fully compliant with the State’s human rights and equality obligations under the Constitution and international human rights law.
Emily Logan, Chief Commissioner, has written to Finian McGrath T.D., Minister of State with special responsibility for Disabilities to seek a meeting to discuss the proposed terms of reference of the Commission of Inquiry, following the publication today of the Devine and Resilience reports into certain issues relating to a former foster home in the South East.
Emily Logan, Chief Commissioner of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission said:
“People with intellectual disabilities should be cared for in a way that fully respects their dignity and their will and preferences, and nurtures their full potential.
“The Devine and Resilience Ireland reports published by the HSE raise significant concerns about the culture and treatment of individuals with intellectual disabilities in the care system.
“I have written to Finian McGrath T.D., Minister of State with special responsibility for Disabilities to seek a meeting to discuss the observance of the human rights and equality of treatment of people with intellectual disabilities in the proposed Commission of Inquiry.”
The Commission will reserve making any further statements pending sight of the terms of reference of the commission of investigation.
ENDS/
For further information, please contact:
Brian Dawson, IHREC Communications Manager,
01 8589601 / 087 0697095
Follow us on twitter @_IHREC
Notes to editor:
Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC)
The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) was set up on 1 November 2014 as an independent public body 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.
The Irish Human Rights and Equality Act 2014 sets out the functions of the Commission, i.e. to ensure that:
- there is respect for, and protection of, everyone’s human rights;
- there is respect for the dignity and worth of each person;
- a person’s ability to achieve their potential is not limited by prejudice, discrimination, or neglect;
- everyone has a fair and equal opportunity to take part in the economic, political, social or cultural life of the State; and
- people respect each other, respect equality and human rights, and understand the value of diversity within society
The IHREC is Ireland’s national human rights institution and is recognised as such by the United Nations. The Commission is also Ireland’s national equality body for the purpose of a range of EU anti-discrimination measures.