Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 September 2013
14. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will an update on the amalgamation of the Equality Authority and the Human Rights Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39595/13]
View answerWork is at an advanced stage on the Irish Equality and Human Rights Commission Bill and I hope to be in a position to publish it shortly.
As I have previously informed the House, I announced the appointment of members designate of the Commission in April last. At that time I explained that the independent Selection Panel, which was established to carry out the selection task, had confirmed to me that it had not proved possible to recruit a Chief Commissioner at that time. I hope to be in a position to recommence the recruitment of a Chief Commissioner shortly. In the light of the experience gained, I consider that responsibility for the selection of Chief Commissioner and that of future Commissioners should rest with the Public Appointments Service (PAS). The PAS has existed in its different forms since the foundation of the State, to ensure integrity and impartiality in the appointment of civil servants and other public servants and is independent in the discharge of its functions and would thus fully meet the Paris Principles' requirement for a selection process independent of Government.
The members designate of the Commission are undertaking practical work on advancing the merger on an administrative basis and on identification of the new Commission's strategic priorities. They with the staff of both the Equality Authority and the Human Rights Commission are currently operating in a cohesive manner in this transition period. An example of this work is their preparation, at my request, of a detailed staffing needs assessment for the new Commission. This submission is currently being examined in conjunction with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. I am of course conscious of the current difficult economic climate. However, notwithstanding these difficulties I remain committed to doing everything I possibly can to ensure that the Commission has the resources in place to carry out its mandate fully.
