President Michael D. Higgins has today appointed seven members, including five new members of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (the ‘Commission’).
The seven Commission Members received their warrants of appointment at a formal ceremony at Áras an Úachtarain this evening, which was also attended by An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar T.D.
The seven Commission Members have been appointed by President Michael D. Higgins to the Commission, for a five-year term:
- Tony Geoghegan – Chief Executive, Merchants Quay Ireland
- Salome Mbugua – AkiDwA, Wezesha
- Caroline Fennell – Professor of Law, UCC
- Colm O’Dwyer – Senior Counsel
- Patrick Connolly – Chief Executive Officer, Inclusion Ireland
- Heydi Foster Breslin – Chief Executive Officer, Misean Cara
- Frank Conaty – Lecturer, NUIG
The Commission is Ireland’s independent national human rights and equality institution, and today’s appointments see the Commission at its full complement of fifteen Commission Members.
The Presidential appointments, made in line with the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014, follows the passing of a resolution by both Houses of the Oireachtas on March 29th and brings a significant range of experience to the Commission as well as ensuring a continuing gender balance with eight women and seven men.
Welcoming the appointments, Emily Logan, Chief Commissioner of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission stated:
“Today’s appointments made by President Michael D. Higgins, bring significant legal, academic and practical expertise to the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission in our purpose to protect and promote human rights and equality in Ireland, and build a culture of respect for human rights, equality and intercultural understanding.”
ENDS/
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Editor’s Note
The 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.
The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014, Article 12 sets out the Membership of Commission, while Article 13 sets out Appointment of members of Commission.