Statement by the Minister for Justice and Equality, Charlie Flanagan TD, on the appointment process for Chief Commissioner of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission
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From: Department of Justice
- Published on: 19 February 2020
- Last updated on: 28 June 2021
The Minister for Justice and Equality, Charlie Flanagan TD, today announced government approval for the drafting of necessary resolutions to be put before each House of the Oireachtas recommending the appointment of Ms Sinéad Gibney, by the President, to the position of Chief Commissioner in line with the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act, 2014.
Ms Gibney was selected following an open recruitment competition run by the Public Appointments Service.
The Minister said:
"I was pleased to be able to bring a recommendation to Government following the independent recruitment competition recently run by the Public Appointments Service.
"Ms Sinéad Gibney is an excellent candidate and I would hope that resolutions can be brought to each House of the Oireachtas recommending the appointment to this important role at the earliest opportunity."
The appointments process for members of the Commission, including Chief Commissioner, is governed by Section 13(1)(b) of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014. The Act provides that members of the Commission shall be appointed by the President (a) on the advice of the government, and (b) following the passing of a resolution of each House of the Oireachtas recommending the appointment.
The Minister took the opportunity to thank the outgoing Chief Commissioner, Ms Emily Logan, for her work over the course of her term.
He said:
"I want to thank Emily Logan for her hard work and dedicated public service as Chief Commissioner, in particular her contribution to the establishment of the Commission following the passing of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014."
ENDS
Notes to the Editor:
The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission is Ireland’s national human rights institution and equality body. It is an independent public body with a mandate established under the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 to protect and promote human rights and equality. Additionally, it seeks to promote the development of a culture of respect for human rights, equality and intercultural understanding in the state. Its mission is “to build a just and inclusive society that protects and promotes human rights and equality in Ireland.”
In accordance with the 2014 Act, the Public Appointments Service recently undertook a selection process for appointment of a Chief Commissioner and members of the Commission.
The vacancy arose on expiry of the five year term of the outgoing Chief Commissioner, Ms Emily Logan, at the end of October 2019.
Section 13 of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 provides that members of the Commission shall be appointed by the President; (a) on the advice of the Government, and (b) following the passing of a resolution of each House of the Oireachtas recommending the appointment.
The Public Appointments Service is currently in the process of running an open recruitment competition for members of the Commission also, to fill a number of vacancies, which arose at the end of October 2019.
Ms Sinead Gibney:
Ms Gibney previously served as inaugural Director of IHREC from October 2014 to December 2016. She has previous experience in the fields of equality, human rights, corporate social responsibility, digital inclusion and e-learning and has extensive board experience in the NGO sector; with One Family, the Victim’s Rights Alliance, and Irish Charity Lab.