Statement on the Death of Donal Barrington

It is with deep sadness that the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (‘the Commission’) has learned of the death of former Justice Donal Barrington. Donal Barrington was a ground-breaking figure in the establishment of Ireland’s human rights framework. His lifelong passion for human rights and social justice shaped Ireland’s human rights environment, and his rich legacy will continue to be felt both though the organisations he established and the landmark legal work he led. Emily Logan, Chief Commissioner of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission paid personal tribute to Donal Barrington’s continued interest and support for the work of the Commission, noting that following her appointment as Chief Commissioner, he generously met with her to share his invaluable experience as the first President of the former Irish Human Rights Commission (IHRC). The Commission offers its deepest sympathies to Mr. Barrington’s wife Eileen, his family, friends and all those whose lives he touched. ENDS/ For further information, please contact: Brian Dawson, IHREC Communications Manager, 01 8589601 / 087 0697095 bdawson@ihrec.ie Follow us on twitter @_IHREC

Editor’s Note

Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission

The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission is an independent public body, appointed by the President and directly accountable to the Oireachtas. The Commission has a statutory remit set out under the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act (2014) to protect and promote human rights and equality in Ireland, and build a culture of respect for human rights, equality and intercultural understanding in the State. The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission 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.