Ireland Can't Afford Cutbacks in Equality and Rights 

The Government is proposing a merger of the five equality and human rights agencies (the Irish Human Rights Commission, the Equality Tribunal, the Data Protection Commissioner, the Equality Authority and the National Disability Authority) in an attempt to save costs in the sector. By merging these bodies into one, equality and human rights are being undermined as each body already operates under very different statutory mandates, each discharging distinctive powers and functions. In times of cutbacks, the most vulnerable in society should be protected and the commitment to equality in our society should continue.

Five into one won't go!

 Update:  October 14th, 2008

No Merger but Savage Cuts Undermine Equality and Rights Protection Says Alliance

"We are supportive of the move to share services without a full merger because the functions and mandates of the individual agencies have been protected", said ERA chairperson Joanna McMinn. "However, the savage budget cuts proposed to these bodies, which are already grossly under-funded, completely undermine the Government's budget rhetoric about protecting the most vulnerable in society".

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