Publications
On the 27th August 2020, the Commission wrote to the Assistant Commissioner Dublin Metropolitan Region on the Use of Anti-Spit Guards by An Garda Síochána.
Ahead of our appearance before the Oireachtas Committee on 9 September 2020, the Commission made a written submission on the legislative framework around our COVID-19 response. Under the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014, the Commission is mandated to keep under review the adequacy and effectiveness of law and practice in the State…
The Commission previously made a submission to the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women in January 2017, in respect of Ireland’s combined sixth and seventh periodic reports under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). In its 2017 Concluding Observations, the Committee requested that the Government…
Ireland’s human rights and equality norms are critical to sustainable and effective recovery in relation to COVID. The State is legally bound to respect, protect and fulfil its human rights commitments and has specific obligations under Irish equality legislation, as an employer and as a service provider. These obligations apply both in normal times and…
New research published today reveals the gap between what people say in public about their attitudes to minorities in Ireland, and what they say when afforded anonymity. The study challenges previous assumptions about people’s views, and has implications for policy approaches to foster interculturalism. This study published by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission …
The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission was invited to contribute to a high-level strategi consultation process led by EU Commission Vice-President Věra Jourová, Values and Transparency, and EU Equality Commissioner Helena Dalli, hosted by the European Commission on 20th July. Below is the opening statement delivered by Commission Member Colm O’Dwyer to that consultation….
The Commission was invited to address the Oireachtas Special Committee on Covid-19 Response Dr. Frank Conaty, Acting Chief Commissioner and Commission Member Professor Caroline Fennell addressed the committee in person on Friday 17 July 2020. Ahead of the Committee meeting the Commission made the following written submission focused on the Impact of COVID-19 on People…
IHREC Annual Report 2019 – Irish version
Q2 2020 IHREC Prompt Payments Return
The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission has recommended a review of the Department of Health’s guidance framework on prioritisation in access to critical care in the context of COVID-19. The Commission has made this recommendation in a written submission to the Minister for Health, to ensure this important guidance meets the highest standards of…
On 23 December 2019, the Government of Ireland submitted its 17th National Report to the European Committee of Social Rights (“the Committee”) on the implementation of the European Social Charter (“the Charter”). Comments on Irelands 17th National Report on the Implementation of the European Social Charter – June 2020 Under the simplified reporting procedure, the…
The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission appeared remotely before the Supreme Court as amicus curiae (‘friend of the court’) in the case (Ali Charaf Damache v the Minister for Justice and Equality) which focuses on the process under which Irish citizenship can be revoked. Legal Submissions: FinalSubmissions.FILED.7.2.20
The Cunningham v. Irish Prison Service High Court case looked at whether the Irish Prison Service (IPS) must provide reasonable accommodation under the Employment Equality Acts to prison officers with disabilities. In its judgment delivered on 9th June 2020 in the Cunningham v. Irish Prison Service (IPS) appeal, the High Court held that the Labour…
The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission has contacted Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection Regina Doherty T.D. regarding the exclusion of applicants for International Protection residing in direct provision from the Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment Scheme. Letter to Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection, Regina Doherty T.D.
The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission has contacted Minister for Education and Skills, Joe McHugh T.D. with its recommendations on the planned system of school-based calculated grades. 27 May 2020 – IHREC Letter to Minister for Education and Skills
In line with its mandate to keep law and practice as they relate to human rights and equality under review, the Commission has reviewed the legality of the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme and the exclusion of women returning from maternity leave. Letter to Minister for Finance & Public Expenditure and Reform, Paschal Donohoe T.D., 27th…
Letter sent by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission to the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána on April 28, 2020. Letter from IHREC to Garda Commissioner Harris 28 April 2020
As negotiations are underway to establish our next Government, the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission has written individually to the leaders of each of the political parties to urge them to ensure that human rights and equality are central to the next Programme for Government. Please find below this letter as addressed to Leo…
This publication, produced by Alison Harvey of the No5 Chambers, provides a legal analysis of incorporating into UK immigration and nationality law the birthright identity commitment contained within the 1998 Agreement.