User:Mxwalsh/sandbox

The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission was established on November 1st 2014, it is a statutory body which is publicly funded but is independent of government. It was formed as a result of the merger of the Equality Authority and the Irish Human Rights Commission (IHRC) both former bodies were dissolved and their functions transferred to the IHREC.

The role of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission as outlined in their primary legislation (IHREC Act 2014) is to provide stronger protection and promotion of human rights and equality in Ireland and to grow a culture of respect for human rights, equality and intercultural understanding across the state. The IHREC serves as the National Human Rights Institution | (NHRI) and national Equality Body for the Republic of Ireland.

Public Information Centre
The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission operates a Public Information Centre and can provide free legal advice and representation on issues related human rights abuses and discrimination in the workplace or discrimination in accessing goods and services. Lodge a query with the IHREC with this contact form

Commission Members
The Commission is comprised of a Chief Commissioner and 14 Members. The first Chief Commissioner of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission is Emily Logan, former Ombudsman for Children. Members; Teresa Blake SC, Frank Conaty, Heydi Foster-Breslin, Liam Herrick, David Joyce BL, Mark Kelly, Sunniva McDonagh SC, Professor Siobhán Mullally, Dr Mary Murphy, Professor Ray Murphy, Dr Fidèle Mutwarasibo, Orlagh O'Farrell, Betty Purcell, Kieran Rose.

Each member of the Commission was appointed by President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins on the 31st of October 2014.

Functions of the IHREC
The functions of the IHREC as outlined in the Irish Human Rights and Equality Act 2014 are;

Awareness and Understanding
 * Protect and promote human rights and equality
 * Encourage the development of a culture of respect for human rights, equality and intercultural understanding in Ireland
 * Promote understanding and awareness of the importance of human rights and equality in Ireland
 * Encourage good practice in intercultural relations and promote tolerance and acceptance of diversity in Ireland, and respect for the freedom and dignity of each person
 * Provide information to the public in relation to human rights and equality generally

Review
 * Keep under review the adequacy and effectiveness of law and practice in the State relating to the protection of human rights and equality
 * Either of its own volition or on being so requested by a Minister of the Government, to examine any legislative proposal and report its views on any implications for human rights or equality
 * Either of its own volition or on being so requested by the Government, to make such recommendations to the Government as it deems appropriate in relation to the measures which the Commission considers should be taken to strength, protect and uphold human rights and equality in Ireland

Legal Means
 * Work towards the elimination of human rights abuses, discrimination and prohibited conduct
 * Request liberty to appear before the High Court or the Supreme Court, as the case may be, as amicus curiae in proceedings before that court that involve or are concerned with the human rights or equality rights of any person and to appear as such an amicus curiae on foot of such liberty being granted (which liberty each of the said courts is hereby empowered to grant in its absolute discretion
 * Provide such practical assistance, including legal assistance, to persons in vindicating their rights as it sees fit in accordance with section 40;
 * Where it sees fit, to institute proceedings under section 41 or section 19 of the Act of 2003, as may be appropriate
 * Conduct inquiries under and in accordance with section 35
 * Prepare and publish, in such manner as it sees fit, reports including reports on any research undertaken, sponsored, commissioned or assisted by it under paragraph (j) or in relation to inquiries referred to in paragraph (o);

Enabling Change
 * Undertake, sponsor, commission or provide financial or other assistance for research and educational activities
 * Provide or assist in the provision of education and training on human rights and equality issues
 * Either of its own volition or at the request of the Minister, to undertake, sponsor or commission, or provide financial or other assistance for programmes of activities and projects for the promotion of integration of migrants and other minorities, equality (including gender equality) and respect for diversity and cultural difference
 * Carry out equality reviews and prepare equality action plans or to invite others
 * Do so, where appropriate, pursuant to section 32
 * Assist public bodies in accordance with section 42

All Island Co-operation
 * Participate in the Joint Committee with the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission in accordance with the Good Friday/Belfast Agreement

National, European and International Engagement
 * Consult with such national, European Union or international bodies or agencies having a knowledge or expertise in the field of human rights or equality as it sees fit