Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission.

EU Legislative Interests

Council Directive (EU) 2024/1499 on standards for equality bodies in the field of equal treatment between persons irrespective of their racial or ethnic origin, equal treatment in matters of employment and occupation between persons irrespective of their religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation, equal treatment between women and men in matters of social security and in the access to and supply of goods and services, and amending Directives 2000/43/EC and 2004/113/EC Directive 2000/43/EC against discrimination on grounds of race and ethnic origin. Directive 2000/78/EC against discrimination at work on grounds of religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation. Directive 2006/54/EC equal treatment for men and women in matters of employment and occupation. Directive 2004/113/EC equal treatment for men and women in the access to and supply of goods and services. Directive Proposal (COM(2008)462) against discrimination based on age, disability, sexual orientation and religion or belief beyond the workplace. Directive 2011/36/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 April 2011 on preventing and combating trafficking in human beings and protecting its victims 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 Irish 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 as required under EU equality law.

Communication Activities

The Commission carries out proactive communications activities which include: Infrequent emailing (less than 3 emails a year) to Irish MEPs to update them on our activities. Infrequent meeting requests (1 a year maximum)to Irish MEPs to update them on our activities. Very occasional meeting requests with EU Commission officials on specific equality or human rights concerns specific to Ireland. More broadly: the issue of media releases and statements on work and positions of the Commission direct media engagement on issues of human rights or equality concern hosting specific events, workshops, consultations and conferences throughout the year on issues related to human rights and equality in Ireland engagement through our digital platforms including our website and social media channels.

Interests Represented

Does not represent commercial interests

Member Of

The Commission is a member of: the European Network of Equality Bodies (Equinet); the European Network of National Human Rights Institutions (ENNHRI); and the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) The Commission also maintains a strong working relationship with its counterparts in the three jurisdictions of the UK; the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission, the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland, the Scottish Human Rights Commission, and the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

Organisation Members

Our work is determined independently by the fifteen members of the Commission who were appointed by our Head of State, President Michael D. Higgins.