The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (‘the Commission’) has today welcomed the formal appointment of Liam Herrick as Chief Commissioner by President Michael D. Higgins. The announcement comes after Liam’s approval by Government and the Houses of the Oireachtas, on 8 October 2024, following his selection through an open and transparent competition by the Public Appointment Service (PAS). Appointments to the Commission are carried out in line with international standards for the selection and appointment process, and in line with the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014. Liam Herrick will take up post this coming Monday 25 November 2024. Deirdre Malone, Director of the Commission said,
“The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission warmly welcomes the formal appointment by President Higgins of Liam Herrick as our next Chief Commissioner. Liam is a former member of the Commission, and has demonstrated his commitment, leadership and expertise in the areas of human rights and equality over many years. We look forward to working with him as he leads the Commission for the next five years.”
Incoming Chief Commissioner Liam Herrick said,
“This is an exciting time to join the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission as Chief Commissioner. Over the past ten years the State has benefited hugely from the steady growth of the Commission’s work and reputation as an authoritative, independent body focused on tackling human rights and equality issues with a focus on protecting the rights of our most vulnerable groups. In my previous roles as Head of Legislation and Policy and as a member of the Commission, I was acutely aware of the commitment and high standards the staff and Commissioners at IHREC bring to their work. “While Ireland faces many important challenges to achieve equality and respect for human rights, I believe we are well placed to make a real difference on key issues over the coming years. It will be an honour and challenge to lead the Commission into a second decade as the State’s Human Rights Institution.”
ENDS/ For further information, please contact: Sarah Clarkin IHREC Communications Manager, 01 8592641 / 087 4687760 sarah.clarkin@ihrec.ie Follow us on twitter @_IHREC Liam Herrick Biography Liam Herrick has been the Executive Director of the Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) since 2016. Previously, Liam worked as Advisor to President Michael D. Higgins for three years. He was also the Executive Director of the Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT) between 2007 and 2014. He worked as the first Head of Legislation and Policy at the former Irish Human Rights Commission between 2003 and 2007, and has also worked with the Law Reform Commission and at the Department of Foreign Affairs. He was appointed as a member of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) between 2014 and 2017 and as a member of the Minister for Justice and Equality’s Strategic Review Group on Penal Policy. Notes for editors: Photos will be circulated by Áras an Uachtaráin following the Chief Commissioner’s formal appointment. 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 Commission holds the highest possible ‘A’ status accreditation under the Paris Principles, underlining its institutional independence, domestic and international standing.