Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC and Academic Expert Professor Colin Harvey recommended by the Irish Government for appointment as Commission Members for the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission

The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (‘the IHREC’) has welcomed the Irish Government’s recommendation of six new Commission Members to be proposed for appointment to serve on the Commission, including our Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC and Academic Expert Professor Colin Harvey.

The Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Mr. Roderic O’Gorman who brought the recommendations to the Irish Government said in a statement:

“The candidates being approved today bring a broad range of valuable expertise and perspectives that will support IHREC’s ability in its role in the protection of human rights and equality in Ireland, and the building of a culture of respect for human rights, equality and intercultural understanding.”

The IHREC’s statement welcoming the announcement is available here. Chief Commissioner Sinéad Gibney stated that the new Commission members’ “experience and expertise will bring new perspective to our work on Ireland’s most pressing human rights and equality matters.”

The six individuals recommended for appointment by the Irish Government were selected following an independent and public process conducted by the Public Appointments Service (PAS). In accordance with the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014, once the PAS selection process concludes, Commission Members undergo approval via resolutions from both Houses of the Oireachtas and subsequently receive formal appointment by President Michael D. Higgins.

This procedure adheres to the international standards outlined in the UN Paris Principles for National Human Rights Institutions.

Read more about the recommendation of six new Commission Members to be proposed for appointment here.